The city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip has drawn attention as the United States issued a stern warning to Israel regarding a potential military offensive. This warning comes amid concerns for the safety of the 1.5 million people who now call Rafah home, comprising over half of Gaza’s population.
The White House cautioned Israel against initiating any major operations in Rafah without taking into account the well-being of the refugees residing there. A day prior, Israel’s leader had announced military preparations to operate in Rafah, prompting the U.S. to express concerns over the potential impact on innocent civilian lives.
“We [the US] would not support the undertaking of something like this without serious and credible planning as it relates to the more than a million people who are sheltering there, as well as without considering the impacts on humanitarian assistance and the safe departure of foreign nationals,” stated Deputy State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
The comments from the U.S. mark a rare instance of such warning and criticism towards Israel, a key ally and major recipient of military aid from the U.S. Washington sends around $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel annually, making it the largest recipient of such funding worldwide.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in devastating consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians. Last year, over 1,300 people were killed in Hamas attacks on southern Israel, while more than 27,800 Palestinians have been killed and at least 67,000 injured by the war launched by Israel in response, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
Rafah, located on the border with Egypt, now harbors a population facing dire humanitarian conditions, living in overcrowded makeshift shelters without adequate resources. UN chief António Guterres has described the situation as unsanitary and lacking in essential services like running water, electricity, and adequate food supplies.
The U.S.’s warning to Israel underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in Rafah and the potential for further escalation of the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and international intervention to ensure the protection of innocent lives in the region.