In a recent conversation between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, concerns were raised over the potential for a major military operation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city. The discussion, their first in over a month, addressed the evolving situation in Israel and Gaza, highlighting Israel’s military actions and humanitarian efforts in the region. Notably, President Biden stressed the importance of defeating Hamas while safeguarding civilians and ensuring the unimpeded delivery of aid to Gaza.
The White House disclosed that both leaders agreed to convene their teams in Washington for further discussions aimed at exploring alternative strategies. These strategies would focus on targeting key elements of Hamas and securing the Egypt-Gaza border without resorting to a significant ground operation in Rafah. President Biden specifically requested the presence of senior Israeli officials, including those from military, intelligence, and humanitarian sectors, to engage in dialogue on these matters.
During a subsequent White House press briefing, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reiterated President Biden’s commitment to Israel’s long-term security. He cautioned against a major ground operation in Rafah, citing potential risks such as increased civilian casualties, exacerbated humanitarian crisis, and heightened instability in Gaza. Sullivan emphasized that addressing concerns about Rafah did not equate to undermining efforts to defeat Hamas, underscoring the need to prevent the group from establishing safe havens anywhere.
In his statement following the call, President Biden reaffirmed Israel’s right to counter Hamas, a group deemed responsible for grave acts of violence against Israelis. He also emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for the release of hostages and the provision of aid to Gaza’s civilian population. Biden’s statement confirmed his request for Netanyahu to dispatch a delegation to Washington to explore alternative strategies for targeting Hamas while avoiding a large-scale ground incursion in Rafah.
Netanyahu, in response, reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving its objectives in the conflict, which include the elimination of Hamas and the safe return of hostages. The upcoming meeting between US and Israeli officials is expected to delve into these pressing issues and seek viable solutions to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu marked their 20th exchange since the outbreak of hostilities following Hamas’s attack on October 7. While their dialogue resumed after a hiatus since February 15, both leaders remain engaged in efforts to navigate the complex challenges posed by the conflict, striving to balance Israel’s security needs with humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
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