57 Democrat leaders pressure Joe Biden to stop Israeli assault in Gaza
An Israeli attack on Rafah risks starting a new spiral of violence, bringing the region to the brink of a wider war that neither Israel nor the United States can afford, reads the letter sent by Democrat lawmakers to Biden
Members of the Democratic Party in the U.S. conveyed their concerns about Israel’s plans for a comprehensive ground assault on Rafah in a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden.
‘The assault on Rafah is unacceptable’
The letter emphasized attacking Rafah is unacceptable, highlighting: “An Israeli attack on Rafah risks starting a new spiral of violence, bringing the region to the brink of a wider war that neither Israel nor the United States can afford.”
The Democrats urged Biden to utilize existing laws and policies to promptly cease military assistance to Israel, including aid that has already been approved, to prevent a large-scale assault on Rafah.
The city of Rafah, located on the border with Egypt in the south of Gaza, was home to approximately 280,000 Palestinians before the Israeli attacks.
Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli offensive has displaced 1.9 million people in the Gaza Strip, which has a population of 2.3 million.
The majority of displaced Palestinians sought refuge in Rafah, a location previously designated as “safe” by Israel.
The population of Rafah has now more than quadrupled to 1.5 million because of the influx of people from northern areas.
The Israeli military frequently targets Rafah city with airstrikes. It is feared that if Israel launches a ground attack on Rafah, civilians will have no shelter in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who repeatedly reiterated his approval of the plan to attack Rafah despite international warnings, said on April 8 that a date had been set for the assault.
Netanyahu declared they would proceed with the assault on Rafah regardless of whether a prisoner swap agreement was reached or not.
“If the Israeli government will not abide by international law and protect civilians, the United States must act to protect innocent life. We urge you to continue your work to achieve a lasting cease-fire that will return hostages to their homes and build a path to safety and security for all,” the Israeli premier said.
Source: AA
