Biden tells Netanyahu not to invade Rafah during phone call.
President Biden recently reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the escalating situation in Gaza, particularly focusing on the city of Rafah. The President emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could further endanger the lives of the more than 1.5 million Palestinians currently residing in Rafah.
The discussion between the two world leaders lasted approximately 30 minutes, with Biden expressing concerns about the potential invasion of Rafah, which is considered the last stronghold of Hamas in the region. White House national security spokesman John Kirby conveyed the President’s stance, stating “The president doesn’t want to see operations in Rafah that put at greater risk the more than a million people that are seeking refuge there.”
Earlier in the day, Israel’s Defense Forces issued an evacuation order for Rafah, hinting at an imminent ground operation in the area. The Israeli military has identified Rafah as a crucial Hamas stronghold and emphasized the necessity of eliminating this threat to combat the Islamic militant group effectively.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that Israel felt compelled to take action in Rafah following a deadly rocket attack by Hamas terrorists in the region. The Israeli Defense Forces have initiated targeted strikes against Hamas operatives in eastern Rafah, a city where over a million civilians from other parts of Gaza have sought shelter.
The conflict in Gaza has forced approximately 80% of the territory’s population, totaling 2.3 million people, to flee their homes due to the widespread destruction caused by the ongoing war. Tragically, the death toll in Gaza has risen to over 34,500 individuals, as reported by Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry.
The war in Gaza commenced on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the loss of around 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals. Israel has stressed that militants still hold roughly 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, both President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu must navigate through this complex situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
