The United States has carefully tiptoed around Israeli military activity in the Gaza city of Rafah, acknowledging only an “uptick” in operations while avoiding suggesting that Israel has crossed any red lines set by President Joe Biden. Despite international condemnation for strikes that hit displaced families, the U.S. has refrained from challenging ally Israel, facing domestic constraints in an election year. Critics argue that Biden has been playing semantics in defining the nature of the Israeli offensive in Rafah.
Administration officials claim that Israel has changed tactics to reduce civilian casualties while targeting Hamas operatives, even as conditions worsen for the Palestinian population. The U.N. estimates that up to 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah, with only a fraction remaining in the city. Biden had previously warned of cutting off offensive weapons supplies if Israel targeted population centers, but has backtracked following backlash and pressure from Republicans.
The U.S. administration is now focusing on urging a cease-fire and the release of hostages in the conflict, with less emphasis on scolding Israel over its actions in Rafah. The key issue, according to experts, is what policy actions the U.S. takes to address the situation on the ground in Gaza. The complex dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and Hamas continue to evolve, raising questions about broader implications for the region and international relations.
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