Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly willing to defy President Biden’s warnings and proceed with an invasion of Rafah, despite the ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The death toll in the Palestinian enclave has now reached at least 30,000, according to Hamas-backed health officials.
President Biden initially stated that he was against further fighting in Rafah and even called an invasion a “red line.” However, he later backtracked and stated that there was no red line after all. This shift in stance has not deterred Netanyahu, who has expressed his disregard for Biden’s position on military action in Rafah, citing a previous massacre as his own red line.
Netanyahu claims to have received quiet support from Arab leaders to continue Israel’s war on Hamas, as they reportedly view Hamas as part of the Iranian terror axis. The White House has urged Netanyahu to find a way to evacuate civilians in the area before launching a major offensive.
Israeli forces have already entered Gaza following a sneak attack on Oct. 7. However, the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee has stated that Israel’s goal to completely eliminate Hamas is not realistic. Additionally, the worsening situation in Gaza is highlighted by the scarcity of food and drinking water, leading to an increase in malnutrition. Aid delivery to the region is also facing challenges, with efforts to deliver aid via air and sea underway as road access remains crucial for successful aid delivery.
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