US continues opposition to Rafah invasion despite Netanyahu’s assertion
‘We don’t want to see a major ground operation in Rafah,’ says White House after Netanyahu vows to go in ‘with or without’ cease-fire deal
The White House declared its stance Tuesday, vehemently opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that Israeli forces would enter the southern Gaza city of Rafah, with or without a cease-fire agreement with Hamas.
With more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people sheltering in Rafah, the international community, including Israel’s top ally, the United States, has warned Israel against any offensive that puts civilians at risk.
“We don’t want to see a major ground operation in Rafah. Certainly, we don’t want to see operations that haven’t factored in the safety and security of those 1.5 million folks trying to seek refuge down there,” stated National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby during a press briefing, referencing the displaced Palestinians sheltering in Rafah.
Kirby emphasized the Biden administration’s lack of endorsement for any Israeli plan that doesn’t prioritize the safety of the 1.5 million civilians seeking refuge in Rafah, highlighting the potential complications such an operation could entail.
Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah ‘with or without a deal’
Netanyahu, however, remained resolute in his stance, declaring earlier in the day that Israel’s military would proceed with entering Rafah to dismantle remaining Palestinian Resistance Group battalions, regardless of a cease-fire agreement with the Palestinian group.
“The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all its objectives is out of the question,” Netanyahu asserted, signaling Israel’s determination to pursue its military objectives. “We will enter Rafah, and we will eliminate Hamas’ battalions there – with or without a deal, to achieve total victory. We will be there soon.”
Netanyahu has faced pressure from his governing partners not to proceed with a deal that might prevent Israel from invading Rafah. His government could be threatened if he agrees to an agreement because hardline Cabinet members have demanded an attack on Rafah.
‘Extraordinarily generous’ deal
The current deal being discussed, brokered by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar, would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting as part of an initial phase, according to an Egyptian official and Israeli media.
Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel would also be released, including some serving long sentences.
Blinken, who was meeting with regional leaders in Saudi Arabia and Jordan before landing in Tel Aviv later Tuesday, urged Hamas on Monday to accept the latest proposal, calling it “extraordinarily generous” on Israel’s part.
War in Gaza
The war in Gaza has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The war has driven around 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes, caused vast destruction in several towns and cities and pushed northern Gaza to the brink of famine.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) accused of genocide Israel. An interim ruling in January ordered Israel to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.
Source: Newsroom
