The United States has issued a warning to Israel, cautioning against launching a military offensive into Gaza’s southern city of Rafah without adequate planning. The White House emphasized the importance of considering the impact on the refugees living in Rafah and stated that it would not support major operations without due consideration. The statement comes after Israel’s leader announced that the military was preparing to operate in Rafah. With more than half of Gaza’s population residing in Rafah and facing dire humanitarian conditions, there are concerns about the potential consequences of a ground assault. The US President, Joe Biden, criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and called them “over the top.” The US National Security Council also stressed the need for Israel to prioritize the protection of innocent civilians during military operations.
The US government, a long-standing ally and major military supporter of Israel, rarely comments on the forthcoming stages of Israeli military operations. Therefore, this warning indicates the severity of the situation. The US provides around $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel annually, making it the largest recipient of such funding globally. While the US has not seen evidence suggesting an imminent major operation in Rafah, the cautionary message highlights the potential humanitarian disaster that could result from unprepared military actions.
The US State Department echoed the National Security Council’s statement, underscoring the necessity for serious and credible planning. The whereabouts of the refugees in Rafah in the event of an operation remain uncertain, prompting calls for Israel to address these legitimate concerns. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the protection of civilians should be the primary focus in any military operation, particularly in the case of Rafah.
The conflict between Israel and the Hamas-run Palestinian territory has resulted in significant casualties. Israeli officials report that around 1,300 people were killed during Hamas attacks on southern Israel. In response, Israel launched a war that resulted in the deaths of over 27,800 Palestinians and at least 67,000 injuries, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. These numbers illustrate the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Rafah is alarming, with overcrowded makeshift shelters lacking basic necessities such as running water, electricity, and adequate food supplies. UN Chief António Guterres stressed the dire conditions and condemned both Hamas’ actions and the violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently declared that he had ordered the preparation for military operations in Rafah and voiced aspirations for “total victory” against Hamas in the near future. However, Hamas has proposed a three-stage plan for a ceasefire deal, which Netanyahu has rejected.
The warning from the US serves as a reminder of the need for careful planning and consideration of the humanitarian impact before any military action. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting innocent civilian lives in conflict zones. As tensions escalate, it remains essential for all parties involved to seek peaceful resolutions and prioritize the well-being of the people affected by the conflict.
