Israel’s operation in Rafah doesn’t cross US red lines – White House

The US does not believe Israel has launched a full-scale invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, according to White House spokesman John Kirby. This statement followed reports of Israeli forces reaching the city’s centre and seizing a strategically important hill near the Egyptian border. President Joe Biden had previously indicated he would limit weapons supplies to Israel if it entered Rafah’s densely populated areas, where many civilians are sheltering.

John Kirby also addressed concerns regarding an Israeli strike that killed at least 45 Palestinians at a camp for displaced people. Israel stated the strike targeted senior Hamas officials and suggested a nearby explosion at a Hamas weapons store could have caused the resulting fire. Kirby described the images from the strike’s aftermath as “heartbreaking” and emphasised the need to avoid innocent casualties. The US State Department is closely monitoring the situation and expects a thorough investigation into the incident.

Kirby reiterated that the US does not support a major ground operation in Rafah and noted that President Biden might reconsider support if Israel were to undertake such an operation. Currently, Israel’s operations have not triggered any changes in US policy, as they have not involved large-scale troop movements into Rafah’s population centres. Israel maintains that capturing Rafah is essential for its objectives in the ongoing conflict against Hamas.