(DCWatchdog.com) – Amidst escalating concerns over Israel’s announced plans to invade Rafah in Gaza, a report stated that the Biden administration stopped a shipment of ammunition intended for Israel.
Despite speculation, CNN noted that the hold-up was not a reaction against the planned invasion.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues its robust support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, evidenced by last week’s commitment of $26 billion in both military and humanitarian aid.
Nonetheless, U.S. officials have cautioned against an assault on Rafah, home to over a million displaced Palestinians.
The National Security Council reaffirmed this stance in a statement:
“The United States has surged billions of dollars in security assistance to Israel since the October 7 attacks, passed the largest ever supplemental appropriation for emergency assistance to Israel, led an unprecedented coalition to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, and will continue to do what is necessary to ensure Israel can defend itself from the threats it faces.”
This development complicates the ongoing cease-fire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas. These talks saw some progress earlier in the week but are now strained.
CIA Director William Burns attended negotiations in Cairo and planned to stay in the Middle East to help broker a diplomatic resolution.
A Rafah invasion hangs over the conflict, with Israeli leaders saying a ground attack against the city is inevitable, while the U.N. warns such an attack could have catastrophic civilian casualties.
The Biden administration has made repeated calls for Israel to refrain from this course of action without a solid strategy to minimize civilian harm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that an invasion of Rafah might proceed regardless of diplomatic negotiations with Hamas or U.S. support.
He emphasized Israel’s resolve, stating, “In the terrible Holocaust, there were great world leaders who stood by idly; therefore, the first lesson of the Holocaust is: If we do not defend ourselves, nobody will defend us. And if we need to stand alone, we will stand alone.”
Additionally, Biden faces internal pressures from Democratic lawmakers who urge him to ensure that U.S.-manufactured munitions are used in compliance with international law, especially following a State Department finding that some Israeli military units had committed severe human rights violations.
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