In a form of opposition for the offensive attack isreal has planned to launch in Rafah, President Biden has said that he would stop delivering some weapons to Israel, if it launches an attack on the Gaza of Rafah.
President Biden is currently faced with domestic pressure to stop supporting the state of Isreal in the war in Gaza. However he mentioned that he would still ensure that “isreal is secure”
Despite these warnings and firm oppositions, isreal is still adamant to launch an attack in Rafah as Rafah remains the last stronghold of Hamas in the territory.
US officials have warned that an operation in the city, where the population has swelled with refugees from other parts of Gaza, could lead to extensive civilian casualties.
What they are saying?
President Biden in an interview aired on Wednesday said “We’re not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells,”
He said the US did not define the current situation in Rafah as a ground operation. “They haven’t gone into the population centres. What they did is right on the border,” he said.
“But I’ve made it clear to [Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu] and the war cabinet, they’re not going to get our support, if in fact they go in these population centres.”
Mr Biden acknowledged that US weapons had been used by Israel to kill civilians in Gaza.
When asked if Israel had crossed a “red line”, the US president replied “not yet”.
In response to the comments given by President Biden in the interview, Israel’s ambassador to the UN said the country was “very disappointed” by Mr Biden’s intervention.
“This is a difficult and very disappointing statement to hear from a president to whom we have been grateful since the beginning of the war,” Gilad Erdan told Israeli public broadcaster Kan radio.
The Israeli military has however, said that the two countries will resolve disagreements “behind closed doors”.
Why it matters?
President Biden have been criticised for supporting the oppressive state of Isreal. As many more countries places bans on isreal just to dissuade them from launching an attack that would grossly affect the population in Rafah, resulting in loss of lots of lives in Palestine.
This position of President Biden shows his commitment to ensuring safety in Rafah and also maintaining safety in Isreal.
However, isreal adamancy to its course in Rafah is both commendable and reprimanded. Despite their loyal cause, lives should be prioritised over aggression and complete resolution of the conflict with Hamas.
This really places isreal in a difficult position, the next course of action for isreal now will determine a lot about isreal in the war.
Bottom Line
Despite all rationale, isreal position for an offensive in Rafah will greatly affect lives in Rafah and as much as possible should be avoided. Not to forget the uncertainty of completely removing Hamas from Gaza.
