Israeli tanks and warplanes continue to strike targets in Rafah as the conflict escalates, with the Biden administration pausing a shipment of precision bombs to Israel in response to the ongoing operation.
The shipment, which includes 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, has been put on hold as the U.S. expresses concerns about the potential impact of these weapons in the densely populated area of Rafah. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed the pause, stating that a final decision on the shipment has not yet been made.
The U.S. has been engaging in discussions with Israel on how to address the humanitarian crisis in Rafah and operate against Hamas in a different manner than in other parts of Gaza. The decision to halt the shipment of bombs came after careful review of the situation in Rafah and concerns about the use of such weapons in urban settings.
This move by the Biden administration has sparked controversy, with many Israelis feeling betrayed by the threat to withhold arms needed to defeat Hamas in Rafah. The pause in the shipment of bombs marks the first time U.S.-manufactured ammunition to Israel has been halted since Hamas’ attack against the country in October.
As the conflict in Rafah intensifies, the Israel Defense Forces have gained operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing, conducting a precise counterterrorism operation to target Hamas terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure in the area.
The situation in Rafah remains tense, with the future of the paused shipment of bombs uncertain. The ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Israel will play a crucial role in determining the next steps in addressing the crisis in Rafah.
