On Sunday, President Joe Biden issued a plea to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch any military operations near Rafah border town without first providing an “effective plan” that can protect civilians, according to an administration official.
Aid agencies warn that an assault could result in hundreds of civilian deaths and dismantle ongoing hostage-exchange negotiations.
1. Urge Israel to Protect Civilians in Rafah
Biden advised Netanyahu not to begin its military operation against Rafah without first creating “an executable and credible plan to safeguard civilians,” adding “urgent and specific steps” would strengthen humanitarian aid.
Biden asked Netanyahu to protect civilians in Rafah, where nearly one million take refuge from fighting elsewhere in Rafah enclave, according to White House statements. Biden shared Israel’s goal of crushing Hamas but said any operations undertaken should not displace civilians in Rafah.
Egyptian officials and Western diplomats recently warned that Cairo will pull back from supporting a Gaza attack near Rafah near Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula border, in fear that such an assault may drive Palestinians deeper into Rafah and cut off an essential aid source to an already starving Palestinian enclave.
2. Reaffirm U.S. Goal to See Hamas Destroyed
the White House is renewing its resolve to see Hamas destroyed. Last week, Acting National Security Advisor Tom Blinken traveled to Israel in person to demonstrate this message of US solidarity and was joined by Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Mark Kelly from Arizona, along with Republican Bill Cassidy from Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah – among others -.
He told Netanyahu that any military operation in Rafah should include “a credible plan to protect civilians”, according to a readout of their call. They also discussed ongoing efforts by Hamas to secure hostage release as well as taking urgent steps to increase humanitarian aid throughput and consistency.
The White House reported that leaders agreed to remain in close communication. Biden will host Jordanian King Abdullah at the White House on Monday and later meet with Egypt’s President Fattah El Sisi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
3. Call for an Extended Humanitarian Pause
Biden sent a strong signal to Israel not to conduct military operations in Rafah without first devising “credible and executable plans” designed to safeguard civilians, according to the White House. That was the strongest opposition yet from this administration against an imminent assault.
Aid agencies warn that any assault on Gaza City would be disastrous and undermine ongoing efforts to secure the release of Hamas hostages. Hamas has warned any Israeli ground operation in Gaza City would be catastrophic and cause irreparable harm to ongoing talks between Egypt and Qatar mediated by them.
The White House has long advocated for extended humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid delivery and evacuations. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution from Malta calling for humanitarian corridors throughout Gaza after four previous attempts failed to pass a resolution regarding Israel’s involvement in Gaza war. While nonbinding, this US-supported resolution puts onus on Israel to take necessary actions.
4. Urge Israel to Support the Release of Hostages
Biden also made known to Netanyahu his desire for him to endorse Hamas’ proposal of a temporary truce in Gaza, according to a senior administration official. According to this official, Biden also pressed Israel to make clear its willingness to negotiate with Hamas over prisoner exchange negotiations and offer solutions which benefit Palestinian civilians.
The White House issued a summary of Biden’s 45-minute phone call, saying he “reaffirmed that any ground invasion in Rafah should not move forward without first creating an action plan to ensure the safety of over one million people who shelter there.” Aid agencies warn that Israeli attack could result in widespread civilian casualties.
Two American officials told Axios that discussions among the US, Israel, and Qatar center around a three-day pause that will allow Hamas to verify the identities of 10-15 hostages it currently holds before any negotiations take place. Egypt and Israel want to know these identities before engaging in any negotiations over them.
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