As Israel Strikes Rafah, US Issues Only Words of Caution – Reuters

By Humeyra Pamuk

TEL AVIV – U.S. officials have expressed their strongest criticism to date regarding civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s military actions in Gaza, as the focus of the campaign shifts to Rafah. However, there are no indications that this rhetoric from Washington will translate into concrete actions.

During his fifth visit to the region since the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the high rate of civilian deaths in Gaza. He stated that Israel’s military operations must prioritize the safety of civilians, particularly in Rafah, where over one million displaced individuals are taking refuge.

When questioned about whether the U.S. would remain passive while Israeli forces target Rafah, Blinken reiterated that Israel’s military approach should prioritize civilian concerns. U.S. diplomats have been urging Israel to modify its military tactics in Gaza for months, yet there have been few visible changes in response.

Despite this criticism, Washington has not implemented measures that could significantly pressure Israel, such as restricting its substantial annual military aid or altering its support at the United Nations. Critics argue that such inaction contributes to a sense of impunity for Israel.

Aaron David Miller from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace pointed to President Biden’s personal backing of Israel and domestic political dynamics as reasons for the lack of more assertive U.S. actions. He suggested that while the U.S. will continue to engage and express concerns, tangible changes from Israel are unlikely without concrete evidence of a willingness to act differently.

Over half of Gaza’s population is currently in Rafah, many of whom have relocated multiple times to dodge violence. Israel has been conducting airstrikes in the area, raising fears of an impending ground invasion. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that operations in Rafah would expand to pursue militants.

A spokesperson for the White House stated that any offensive against Rafah that neglects civilian safety would be catastrophic. Health officials in Gaza report that nearly 28,000 people have lost their lives in the ongoing military campaign against Hamas.

This military operation commenced in response to a shocking incursion by militants from Gaza on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 240 hostages.

Blinken emphasized, "Israelis were dehumanized in the most horrific way on October 7th… But that cannot be a license to dehumanize others." Israel asserts that it takes measures to avoid civilian casualties and accuses Hamas of using civilians as shields in places like schools and hospitals, allegations that Hamas denies.