WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended pausing a bomb delivery to Israel, citing concerns for civilians in Rafah. He criticized Israel for lacking a “credible plan” to protect the 1.4 million sheltering civilians.
Blinken affirmed President Biden’s commitment to assisting Israel in self-defense on ABC News’ This Week. He noted the withholding of 3,500 bombs as the sole US weapons package affected.
That could change, he said, if Israel launches a full-scale attack on Rafah, which Israel says it plans to invade to root out fighters of the ruling Hamas militant group.
Biden has made clear to Israel that if it “launches this major military operation to Rafah, then there are certain systems that we’re not going to be supporting and supplying for that operation,” said Blinken.
“We have real concerns about the way they’re used,” he continued. Israel needs to “have a clear, credible plan to protect civilians, which we haven’t seen.”
Moreover, the decision to halt the delivery of 3,500 bombs to Israel reflects growing international scrutiny over the situation in Rafah. Blinken’s concerns highlight a diplomatic shift, emphasizing accountability and transparency.
As Israel navigates complex security challenges, it must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Israel safeguard civilians and minimizing collateral damage.
Furthermore, Blinken’s assessment highlights the need for Israel to reassess its strategy regarding civilian safety in Rafah. It is essential for Israel to prioritize the development and implementation of robust measures to safeguard civilians in Rafah and uphold humanitarian principles.
By working together, we can help mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Rafah and move towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In light of these developments, diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in Rafah must be intensified.
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