Concern that Israel will launch a major offensive in Rafah is growing. Meanwhile, the USA is sending a clear message.
The United States has suspended a bomb shipment to Israel because of “concerns” about an Israeli offensive in the Gaza town of Rafah, according to a senior government official. The delivery, which was suspended last week, included 1,800 907-kilogram bombs and 1,700 226-kilogram bombs, said the government representative on Tuesday (local time), who wished to remain anonymous. Israel did not fully address U.S. “concerns” about Israel’s plans for an offensive in Rafah.
A final decision has not yet been made on how to handle this delivery, the government official said.
Criticism of Israel’s deployment in Rafah
The US government’s decision came as Israel appeared to be on the verge of a major ground offensive in Rafah – something the US rejects. Israeli and US representatives have discussed alternatives, the US government official said. However, these discussions were still ongoing and did not fully address the “concerns” of the United States.
Israel sent tanks to Rafah on Tuesday and took control of the border crossing with Egypt. The White House had previously said Israel had assured it would be a “limited operation.”
War in the Middle East
People on the run, Israel’s flag on the tank: the invasion of Rafah in pictures
In Rafah, more than a million people have sought refuge from the fighting between Israel’s army and the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas. The Israeli government is sticking to its plans for a ground offensive in Rafah despite massive international criticism. She describes the city in the south of the Gaza Strip as the last remaining stronghold of Hamas.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
