The United States paused sending bombs to Israel last week because of worries the bombs could be used to attack Rafah city in Gaza.
Key points:
- Over 1 million Palestinian refugees are sheltering in Rafah
- Israel wants to attack Rafah until Hamas agrees to release hostages
- The U.S. thinks big bombs could badly hurt many civilians in crowded Rafah
- Israel and Hamas are meeting to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release
Does the U.S. stopping weapon shipments mean tensions are worsening between the allies?
Israel Attacks Rafah, Gaza’s Southernmost City
Israel sent troops into the city of Rafah on Monday night. This was despite international calls for Israel not to invade Rafah. Israel seized control of the border crossing between Rafah and Egypt.
Over a million Palestinian refugees are living in very crowded conditions while sheltering in Rafah. This is in the southern end of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Defense Minister said Israel is ready to make some compromises to get its captured soldiers released as hostages. But he said Hamas, the group ruling Gaza, only understands force. So Israel will intensify its attacks on Rafah until Hamas agrees to release the hostages or is eliminated.
U.S. Halts Bomb Delivery Over Civilian Risks
An unnamed senior U.S. official says the Biden administration paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week. The delivery included some of the 2,000 powerful bombs the U.S. has sent Israel.
This is the first time the U.S. has stopped giving Israel weapons since the 7-month-old conflict began. America publicly states its full support for Israel’s security. But it worries Israel may launch a full-scale invasion of the crowded Rafah area against U.S. advice.
The bombs being shipped were huge. U.S. officials were concerned the bombs could devastate populated areas and kill many civilians in Rafah if used.
Troubles Getting Aid Into Gaza
Humanitarian groups like the United Nations have raised alarms about the situation in Rafah. Israel closed the Rafah border crossing into Gaza after its military push into the city. This crossing was the only way to get supplies from Egypt into Gaza.
The Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel into Gaza was already shut. This was after Israel said Hamas rockets from Rafah killed four soldiers there. The White House called for that critical aid crossing to reopen. It has started letting some trucks through again after security checks.
However, with both crossings blocked at times, crucial food, medicine, and other emergency aid could not enter the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Ceasefire Talks Ongoing In Cairo
In Egypt’s capital, Cairo, negotiators from Israel, Hamas and other groups are meeting. They are holding indirect talks mediated by Egyptian and Qatari officials, plus the U.S.
Israel sent a lower-ranking team to Cairo. It has limited authority to explore if a ceasefire could work based on a 3-stage plan proposed:
- Temporary truce
- Hostage swap
- Longer-term calm
Hamas accepted this plan in principle. But Israel rejected critical parts of it. The Israeli team wants all live captive soldiers released first before any ceasefire. And Israel insists it must eliminate Hamas’ military capabilities.
That stance seems at odds with talk of a “sustainable calm.” It could be more apparent if the mediators could bridge the divide over Hamas’ future role.
What Happens Next?
While the U.S. halted this bomb shipment over Rafah strike fears, it still publicly backs Israel’s self-defence efforts. It’s a very challenging situation with Israeli and Palestinian civilians both at risk.
Do you think there’s a way to free the hostages and have absolute peace? Or will the fighting drag on? Leave a comment with your view.
