US claims Israel agreed to consider US concerns before possible Rafah invasion

White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby states Israel is open to listening to US concerns before beginning any invasion of Rafah

White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby on Sunday said that in a new twist in the continuing crisis in Gaza, Israel has signaled that it is open to listening to US concerns before beginning any prospective invasion of the border city of Rafah.

During his Sunday interview with ABC News, Kirby said that before acting in Rafah, Israel had pledged to consult with US authorities in order to hear their concerns and viewpoints.

A top Israeli defense officer said last Wednesday that Israel is preparing to use its military might to drive out Palestinian people from Rafah and take on any Hamas militants still present in the city, which is the reason for the declaration. Israeli plans for Rafah seem set to move forward in spite of international warnings emphasizing the possibility of a humanitarian calamity.

Before sanctioning any military action in Rafah, the US has emphasized the need to have a thorough and reliable humanitarian strategy. In order to reduce the possibility of civilian fatalities and guarantee the efficient delivery of relief, Kirby restated Washington’s position.

The US-backed interim truce that lasts at least six weeks is what Secretary of State Antony Blinken is likely to continue pushing for when he visits the area next week.

On Monday, a team from Hamas will meet in Cairo to continue negotiations towards reaching a ceasefire. In the meanwhile, attempts to negotiate a ceasefire continue. Reports on the delegation’s itinerary were provided to Reuters by a Hamas official, who indicated that diplomatic efforts were still underway despite the fierce fighting.

Noting recent encouraging developments, such as an increase in assistance supplies to the north of Gaza, Kirby voiced cautious optimism over the possibility of a long-lasting peace. While President Joe Biden had earlier pushed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to give the safety of Palestinian civilians and international aid workers in Gaza first priority, he noted Israel’s advancement in keeping its end of the bargain.

Significant resistance to Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah has come from its allies, especially the United States, which has stressed the necessity for strong precautions to protect civilian life and issued severe warnings about the catastrophic humanitarian repercussions.

Source: Newsroom