Netanyahu is determined to attack Rafah, despite US warnings. Andrew Feinberg speaks to Israeli and American officials about what the consequences might be
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said at a briefing on Monday that Biden’s conversation with the Israeli leader had been “constructive” but stressed that the American president’s “clear” view is that Israel’s plans for Rafah “could potentially put more than a million innocent people at greater risk”.
Experts say such an invasion would have a devastating effect on the humanitarian crisis that has taken hold in Gaza amid food shortages and the destruction of most medical facilities in the territory.
But Netanyahu — who is currently on trial for corruption and, his critics say, hoping to remain in power in order to avoid consequences from a conviction — has defied the Democratic-led US administration and has made clear his plans to press ahead with the operation.
But Kirby, the White House spokesperson, said talks continue with the aid of Bill Burns, the CIA director and veteran US diplomat, who arrived in Doha over the weekend.
Over the weekend, Axios reported that the US has paused a planned shipment of ammunition meant for Israel — including the 2,000lb unguided bombs that Israeli planes have been dropping on Gaza to horrific effect during the seven-month war against Hamas.
Another US official, who also spoke to The Independent on condition of anonymity, said Kirby’s words were meant to convey that for Biden, cutting off offensive weapons to Israel is no longer unthinkable.
The original article contains 781 words, the summary contains 232 words. Saved 70%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
This is the best summary I could come up with:
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said at a briefing on Monday that Biden’s conversation with the Israeli leader had been “constructive” but stressed that the American president’s “clear” view is that Israel’s plans for Rafah “could potentially put more than a million innocent people at greater risk”.
Experts say such an invasion would have a devastating effect on the humanitarian crisis that has taken hold in Gaza amid food shortages and the destruction of most medical facilities in the territory.
But Netanyahu — who is currently on trial for corruption and, his critics say, hoping to remain in power in order to avoid consequences from a conviction — has defied the Democratic-led US administration and has made clear his plans to press ahead with the operation.
But Kirby, the White House spokesperson, said talks continue with the aid of Bill Burns, the CIA director and veteran US diplomat, who arrived in Doha over the weekend.
Over the weekend, Axios reported that the US has paused a planned shipment of ammunition meant for Israel — including the 2,000lb unguided bombs that Israeli planes have been dropping on Gaza to horrific effect during the seven-month war against Hamas.
Another US official, who also spoke to The Independent on condition of anonymity, said Kirby’s words were meant to convey that for Biden, cutting off offensive weapons to Israel is no longer unthinkable.
The original article contains 781 words, the summary contains 232 words. Saved 70%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!