NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
Last updated on July 26th, 2024 at 03:18 am
White House Reacts Amidst Israeli Incursion, Raises Eyebrows Over Weapons Supply
The United States doesn’t think Israel has fully invaded Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, according to White House spokesman John Kirby. This statement came after Israeli forces reached the city’s center and reportedly took control of a hill overlooking the nearby border with Egypt.
US President Joe Biden previously said he would limit weapon supplies to Israel if it entered the heavily populated areas of Rafah, where many civilians are believed to be seeking shelter. Kirby also commented on an Israeli strike that caused a fire, killing at least 45 Palestinians, many of whom were women, children, or elderly, at a displaced persons camp.
Israel claimed the strike targeted and killed two senior Hamas officials and suggested the fire might have been caused by an explosion at a nearby Hamas weapons store. Kirby described the aftermath of the strike as heartbreaking and horrific and emphasized the need to avoid innocent casualties.
Read More :
The US State Department is closely monitoring the Israeli military’s investigation into the strike. When asked if previous investigations led to accountability, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller declined to give specific examples, stating that conclusions cannot be drawn during a conflict.
Regarding whether the strike violated the limits set by President Biden, Kirby stated there were no policy changes to speak of. He reiterated the US’s stance against a major ground operation in Rafah and mentioned that President Biden might reconsider support if such an operation were to occur.
Israel has argued that taking control of Rafah is necessary to achieve victory in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) began targeted ground operations against Hamas in Rafah in early May and have gradually advanced into central and eastern areas, as well as northward along the border with Egypt.
President Biden has faced pressure from within the United States to exert more influence on Israel to minimize the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has called for a pause in additional offensive military assistance to Israel until the president’s requests regarding Rafah and the delivery of humanitarian aid are met.
Read More :
