Amidst escalating tensions in the Rafah region, Israel’s military action targeting a refugee camp has drawn condemnation from the United States.
Despite orders from the International Court to halt operations in Rafah, Israeli forces carried out intense bombing on a refugee camp on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of numerous civilians, including women and children, and leaving scores wounded.
The operation in Rafah, initiated by Israeli forces, persisted despite orders from the International Court to immediately cease all military actions.
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According to reports, Israeli forces seized control of a strategically important mountainous area in the city center of Rafah on Sunday, which overlooks the border with Egypt and other regions.
White House spokesperson John Kirby addressed the situation during a press conference just hours before the Israeli forces’ seizure of the mountainous area in Rafah.
Kirby expressed concern over Israel’s extensive military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the need to avoid civilian casualties.
In response to questions about the ongoing operation in Rafah, Kirby stated that the United States does not perceive Israel’s actions as consistent with a full-scale military operation in the region.
He reiterated the U.S. policy of not supporting ground operations in Rafah and underscored the importance of de-escalation.
Israeli authorities have defended their actions in Rafah, stating that they targeted Hamas, a Palestinian resistance organization, during the bombing.
However, Kirby emphasized that the images emerging from the attacks are deeply disturbing and called for the protection of innocent lives.
Regarding concerns about Israel’s violation of designated boundaries, Kirby reaffirmed President Biden’s stance, stating that if Israeli forces enter populated areas in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians reside, the United States will halt the supply of weapons to Israel.
Kirby clarified that as of now, Israel has not been prevented from receiving weapons as they have not conducted a full-scale operation in populated areas of Rafah. Instead, the Israeli forces’ actions have been limited to border regions of Rafah.
