Report: Biden administration working to prevent Israeli invasion of Rafah
The Biden administration is currently engaged in high-stakes discussions with Israel in an attempt to prevent a full-scale invasion of Rafah, the only city in Gaza that has been spared from Israel’s military offensive so far.
According to a report from the Washington Post, the United States has offered Israel sensitive intelligence and supplies in exchange for a commitment to scale back its planned invasion of Rafah. This intelligence would enable Israel to more effectively target Hamas leaders hiding in tunnels around the city, potentially allowing for a more precise military campaign that could minimize the devastation witnessed in other parts of Gaza during the conflict.
The U.S. has also offered to provide thousands of shelters to help Israel establish tent cities, as well as assist in creating systems for the delivery of essential supplies such as food, medicine, and water. These resources would be crucial in ensuring that the thousands of refugees expected to flee the city have access to livable conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly stated his intention to invade Rafah with “extreme force,” a move that the U.S. is keen to avoid. President Biden is in a delicate position as he seeks to support a longstanding ally while facing domestic pressure to draw a red line on Israel’s actions in the conflict.
Rafah is the final city in Gaza that has not yet experienced the full force of the war. Israel argues that an invasion is necessary to eliminate the remaining pockets of resistance from Hamas. However, the destruction of the city’s intricate tunnel system would likely put thousands of civilians at risk, prompting the U.S. to push for an evacuation plan prior to any military campaign.
The situation is further complicated by Hamas’ use of tunnels between Gaza and Egypt to replenish their supplies. The U.S. has been working with Egypt to locate and disrupt these tunnels, as part of the broader effort to de-escalate the conflict in Rafah.
A senior administration official expressed concerns about Israel’s conduct in the campaign, particularly in Rafah, where the situation could potentially reach a critical juncture. The U.S. assessment indicates that Hamas may welcome a prolonged and bloody conflict in Rafah, as it seeks to further isolate Israel from the international community.
Despite ongoing discussions and private assurances from Israel, it remains uncertain whether a full-scale invasion of Rafah will be averted. Reports suggest that Israel has committed to not launching an invasion before evacuating approximately 800,000 civilians from the city. The United Nations confirmed that roughly 300,000 people had already evacuated Rafah by Sunday.
