President Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against invading the Gaza city of Rafah, the last stronghold of Hamas in the region. The two world leaders spoke for about 30 minutes, during which Biden raised concerns about the more than 1.5 million Palestinians living in Rafah. The White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, stated that the president does not want operations in Rafah to endanger the refugees seeking shelter there.
Following Biden’s warning, the Israeli Defense Forces ordered an evacuation of Rafah, indicating that a ground operation could be imminent. The Israeli army has identified Rafah as a significant Hamas stronghold and believes that clearing it is essential to defeating the Islamic militant group. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that Israel felt compelled to act in Rafah after a deadly rocket attack from the region resulted in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers.
Israeli troops have gained operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah crossing, and the IDF has launched targeted strikes against Hamas operatives in eastern Rafah. More than 50 terrorist targets were struck as part of this operation. The war in Gaza has led to around 80% of the territory’s population being displaced from their homes and has caused extensive damage in several cities. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 34,500, according to estimates from the Hamas-run Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
The conflict began when Hamas initiated an attack on southern Israel, causing significant casualties among civilians and abducting others. Israel claims that militants are still holding hostages and the remains of numerous individuals. The ongoing violence has created a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with millions of residents displaced and widespread destruction throughout the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with efforts being made to mitigate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
As tensions escalate and military operations intensify, international leaders are working to find a resolution to the conflict in Gaza. President Biden’s call to Prime Minister Netanyahu reflects a commitment to preventing further bloodshed and protecting Palestinian civilians in Rafah. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further violence and humanitarian challenges looming. Efforts to reach a ceasefire and address the underlying issues driving the conflict are essential to bringing an end to the suffering in Gaza. The international community must continue to engage with all parties involved to seek a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the crisis.
