BREAKING: Biden Cools Netanyahu’s Rafah Raze
In a gripping phone conversation that lasted almost half an hour, US President Biden pressed Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider a potential ground operation in Rafah, Gaza. Biden’s urgent call came after reports emerged that Israel might target the city, currently the last stronghold for Hamas militants.
Rafah shelters a staggering 1.5 million displaced Palestinians, and Biden’s plea hinged on safeguarding their lives. White House spokesman John Kirby emphasized the President’s stance: “Biden is adamant about preventing operations that could put these vulnerable civilians at risk.”
Threat Level Escalates
Israeli Defense Forces intensified their strikes against Hamas targets in eastern Rafah. The army hailed these actions as “selective strikes,” claiming to have hit over 50 terrorist hideouts while residents evacuated and a humanitarian zone was expanded.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant defended the army’s actions, citing a deadly rocket attack from Rafah that killed four Israeli soldiers. Amidst the conflict, Israeli forces continue their operation to gain control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing.
Mounting Toll of Conflict
Over the past seven months, Gaza’s war has displaced an alarming 80% of its 2.3 million inhabitants and wreaked havoc on its cities. The death toll has reached 34,500 according to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between combatants and civilians.
The conflict began with Hamas’ assault on southern Israel, killing numerous civilians and kidnapping hundreds. Israel maintains that militants hold roughly 100 hostages and the remains of over 30 more.
International Concern
Biden’s intervention unveils the international pressure Israel faces. While the country has every right to defend itself against terrorist attacks, the potential for civilian casualties in a Rafah invasion looms large. The world watches anxiously as this complex situation unfolds, with innocent lives hanging in the balance.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
