In a last ditch effort to curb Israel’s Rafah operation, the Biden administration has reportedly offered to provide Israel with sensitive intelligence on Hamas leaders. According to the Washington Post, this intelligence would facilitate targeted operations aimed at minimizing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, unlike previous campaigns in Gaza.
The United States’ offer also includes logistical support to establish tent cities and ensure the provision of essential services such as food, medicine, and water for potential refugees from Rafah. The negotiations underscore the delicate balance the U.S. seeks to maintain—supporting Israel while addressing international and domestic criticisms of the conduct of Israeli operations in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed intentions to use “extreme force” in Rafah to eliminate Hamas’ final strongholds, potentially endangering thousands of civilians due to the dense network of tunnels in the area. In response, the U.S. has advocated for a comprehensive evacuation of civilians from Rafah before any aggressive military actions are undertaken.Additionally, the U.S. is collaborating with Egypt to disrupt Hamas’ supply routes between Gaza and Egypt.
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