Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has stated that the United States threat to withhold some arms will not deter Israel from continuing its offensive in Gaza. This indicates that Israel may proceed with an invasion of the city of Rafah against the wishes of its closest ally, President Joe Biden. Biden has urged Israel not to conduct such an operation due to concerns it would worsen the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. However, Netanyahu insists that Israel will stand alone if necessary and fight with whatever means are available, including weapons already in possession.
Israel has threatened to invade Rafah, where a significant number of Palestinians have sought refuge. The city is also a main hub for humanitarian operations, which have been severely impacted by the closure of Gaza’s main crossings. Israel views Rafah as the last stronghold of Hamas and believes an invasion is necessary to dismantle the group and free hostages captured in an attack that triggered the ongoing conflict. Members of Netanyahu’s coalition have expressed support for a large-scale Rafah operation and have threatened to bring down the government if it doesn’t happen.
Aid groups warn that a potential invasion of Rafah would have catastrophic consequences. The UN reports that a significant portion of Gaza’s population is suffering from hunger and that the region is on the brink of famine. Efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have been complicated by Israel’s recent military operations. Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, but Israel believes the terms do not meet its demands. This has led to inconclusive talks and raised concerns about the impact of the rift between the US and Israel on the negotiation process.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began with a surprise attack by Hamas into southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. The ongoing war has taken a heavy toll on Palestinians, with thousands killed and significant displacement of the population. Israel’s offensive, supported by US-supplied weapons, has caused widespread devastation in Gaza. Israel’s capture of the Rafah crossing forced the closure of a key entry point for fuel, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation. UNRWA, the main provider of aid in Gaza, has started rationing supplies due to the closure of access points.
Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza have faced challenges, with limited access through land crossings and disruptions in supply chains. The reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing on Israel’s side was met with restrictions from the Palestinian side due to security concerns. A floating pier is being prepared to facilitate aid delivery, but uncertainties about its operational timeline remain. The US is coordinating an international effort to expand the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza using the floating pier, with plans to transport aid from a US vessel to another ship off the coast of Gaza.
In summary, the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, the threats of a potential invasion of Rafah, and the impact on humanitarian operations highlight the urgent need for a ceasefire. The rift between Israel and its allies, particularly the US, adds complexity to the negotiation process and raises concerns about the long-term consequences of the conflict. Efforts to deliver aid to Gaza are facing logistical challenges, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community must work together to address the immediate needs of Palestinians in Gaza and work towards a sustainable solution to the conflict.
