The Biden administration has announced that it will halt the shipment of bombs to Israel due to concerns about their potential use in the expected incursion into Rafah. Officials from the administration stated that the detained shipment last week included 1,800 910-kilo bombs and 1,700 225-kilo bombs. They emphasized that they are particularly focused on the end use of the bombs and their potential impact on densely populated urban areas like Gaza.
The United States has also expressed opposition to Israel’s planned large-scale offensive in Rafah. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki noted that while Israel carried out a “limited” operation in Rafah yesterday, much depends on what comes next as Israel has indicated its intent to conduct a major military operation in the area, which is strongly opposed by Washington.
In a statement, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: “We strongly oppose any military action that could lead to an escalation of violence and further humanitarian crisis.” She added: “We have made it clear to Israel that we will not support an attack without a plan to protect civilians.”