American and Israeli officials are holding virtual talks Monday to discuss the potential expansion of Israel’s war against Hamas to the southern Gaza city of Rafah, a move the U.S. opposes on humanitarian grounds.
Quick Read
- American and Israeli officials are engaging in virtual discussions concerning the possibility of extending Israel’s military actions against Hamas to Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, which is opposed by the U.S. for humanitarian reasons.
- The talks, initially intended to be in-person, were shifted to a secure video conference format following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to cancel the meeting in response to the U.S. not vetoing a U.N. resolution advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
- The U.S. has consistently advised Israel against launching a large-scale military operation in Rafah, citing concerns for the safety and relocation of over 1.3 million civilians who have sought refuge there from other parts of Gaza.
- Netanyahu maintains that such a military operation is necessary to eliminate the remaining Hamas forces, following the attack on Israel on October 7.
- This situation has highlighted a significant strain in the relationship between Israel and the United States, which is Israel’s principal ally, benefactor, and arms provider, especially regarding Israel’s blockade of Gaza and the need to prevent famine by allowing the passage of food and other essentials.
the Associated Press has the story:
US, Israeli officials to hold virtual talks on their dispute over Rafah military operation
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP) —
American and Israeli officials are holding virtual talks Monday to discuss the potential expansion of Israel’s war against Hamas to the southern Gaza city of Rafah, a move the U.S. opposes on humanitarian grounds.
A U.S. official confirmed the officials would meet by secure video conference on Monday, a week after planned in-person talks were nixed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when the U.S. didn’t veto a U.N. resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter, said the U.S. anticipates that “expert teams” will follow up on the talks in person.
President Joe Biden and his administration have publicly and privately urged Israel for months to refrain from a large-scale incursion into Rafah — where more than 1.3 million civilians are estimated to have fled from other parts of Gaza — without a credible plan to relocate and safeguard noncombatants.
Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must be able to enter the city as it has the rest of the territory in order to root out Hamas’ remaining brigades, as Israeli forces try to eradicate the group after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
The potential operation in the city has exposed one of the deepest rifts between Israel and its closest ally, funder and arms supplier. The U.S. has already openly said Israel must do more to allow food and other goods through its blockade of Gaza to avert famine.
