President Biden has cautioned Israel about the support provided by the United States, sending a strong message. The following are the important highlights:
- Biden said the U.S. will keep supplying weapons for Israel to defend itself
- However, he warned against using U.S. weapons in heavily populated areas like Rafah
- Biden said he won’t provide weapons historically used to attack cities if Israel invades Rafah
- This comes as Israel considers a major offensive in the Gaza city to fight Hamas militants
Why is the U.S. President making this threat? Let’s take a closer look.
Biden’s Concerns Over Civilian Casualties
President Biden expressed severe concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza from Israeli military operations. He specifically mentioned bombs and attacks targeting population centers that have killed civilians.
Biden made it clear – if Israel goes ahead with plans to invade the densely populated Palestinian city of Rafah, the U.S. will not supply the kinds of heavy weaponry like bombs and artillery that have been used historically for urban warfare there.
The President stated he wants to ensure Israel has defensive capabilities like the Iron Dome system. But he drew a line at providing offensive weapons that could devastate cities and harm innocent people.
Rising Tensions Between U.S. and Israel
This warning represents a significant rift between the United States and its close ally, Israel, over the ongoing conflict with militants in Gaza.
Israeli officials have criticized Biden’s comments, calling them “disappointing” and saying it gives hope to Israel’s enemies. The Israeli ambassador to the UN accused Biden of undermining support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
On the other hand, Biden is facing pressure from human rights groups and others concerned about the vast civilian toll and devastation caused by the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation on the ground in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire from the military operations, with over half of the water and sanitation facilities damaged or destroyed, according to the BBC.
Clean drinking water is scarce in Gaza as sewage treatment plants and desalination facilities are malfunctioning. Aid organizations have raised concerns about the possibility of disease outbreaks and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
With border crossings blocked, trucking in desperately needed emergency humanitarian supplies has also become challenging.
What Comes Next?
It remains to be seen if Biden’s threat to withhold arms from Israel will change the situation on the ground. Israel has been determined to take whatever action is necessary to neutralize militants in Gaza.
However, growing international outrage over the civilian suffering could increase pressure on both sides to reach a ceasefire deal. Ultimately, will Biden’s gamble of limiting U.S. military aid force Israel to change its strategy? Only time will tell.
What do you think about President Biden’s warning to Israel and the escalating crisis in Gaza? Leave a comment with your thoughts below.
