Israel Refuses U.S. Request to Halt Rafah Attack – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday declined the U.S. request to halt a ground operation in Rafah City, located in southern Gaza, where approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
However, Netanyahu agreed to dispatch a delegation to Washington for discussions, marking a diplomatic move amidst escalating tensions.
The White House corroborated this decision in a statement, confirming that Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden had a phone call on Monday. During the call, they agreed to arrange a meeting “soon” in Washington. The purpose of this meeting is to “exchange views and discuss alternative approaches” regarding the ongoing situation, particularly concerning the potential ground operation in Rafah.
Netanyahu’s office released a statement indicating that the delegation, headed by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, would depart for Washington next week. The mission’s objective is framed as vital for the “continuation of the fighting,” suggesting Israel’s commitment to its strategic objectives despite diplomatic engagements.
In an earlier address to the parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday, Netanyahu reiterated his stance, emphasizing that a ground assault remained the most viable option for neutralizing Hamas militants in Rafah. He underscored the necessity of this action, asserting that Israel is resolute in its determination to eradicate Hamas forces from Rafah, emphasizing the impossibility of achieving this goal without a ground incursion.
Meanwhile, amidst the diplomatic maneuvers, ceasefire talks concerning Gaza persisted in Doha, although Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency chief, David Barnea, had left the city. Despite his absence, discussions continued between technical teams, as confirmed by Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, during a media briefing.
Workers from a Turkish NGO distribute food to Palestinians in Gaza, March 14, 2024. /CFP
“The negotiations are ongoing, and what gives us hope at this stage is the resumption of talks,” he remarked, suggesting that it’s premature to declare any breakthroughs.
Al-Ansari also warned about the potential consequences of an Israeli assault on Rafah, expressing concerns that any military operation in the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip could result in catastrophe.
Furthermore, the Israeli incursion into the largest hospital in the ravaged Palestinian territory, Al Shifa Hospital, for a second time on Tuesday, drew strong criticism from Hamas. The group’s leader accused Israel of undermining efforts towards a ceasefire agreement for Gaza.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the Palestinian death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 31,819, as reported by the health ministry under Hamas control.
Months of ongoing conflict have pushed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the besieged territory to the brink of starvation.
According to a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine is now deemed imminent in the northern governorates, with projections indicating it could occur anytime between mid-March and May 2024.
The conflict has resulted in approximately 1.1 million individuals, roughly half of Gaza’s population, facing dire levels of hunger categorized as “catastrophic,” as outlined in the report.
Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, accused Israel of impeding aid efforts and conducting the conflict in a manner that raises concerns about the use of starvation as a warfare tactic.
Additionally, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees highlighted on social media platform X that at least 23 children have already succumbed to acute malnutrition, with an increasing number of children teetering on the brink of starvation, particularly in northern Gaza.
Israel has refuted allegations of obstructing aid shipments. Responding to the report on X, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, an Israeli governmental body, stated that more than 200,000 tonnes of food have entered Gaza since the conflict’s outset. They further noted over 1,250 aid packages were airdropped, and more than 150 aid trucks reached northern Gaza within the last two weeks.
Israel has been engaged in conflicts for various reasons over the years, often involving complex political, historical, and security factors. Here are some common reasons for Israeli involvement in conflicts:
Security Concerns: Israel has faced ongoing security threats from various sources, including militant groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. These groups have launched attacks against Israel, leading to military responses and conflicts.
Territorial Disputes: Israel’s borders and control over certain territories, such as the West Bank and East Jerusalem, are subject to dispute with Palestinians and neighboring countries like Lebanon and Syria. These disputes have led to armed conflicts and wars.
Defense of Sovereignty: Israel asserts its right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens from threats posed by hostile entities. This often involves military actions to deter or respond to attacks on Israeli territory or its people.
Preventing Weapons Proliferation: Israel has taken military action to prevent the proliferation of weapons, particularly those that could be used against it. This has included airstrikes on suspected weapons facilities in neighboring countries like Syria.
Retaliation and Deterrence: In response to attacks or threats, Israel has launched military operations aimed at deterring further aggression and asserting its military capabilities.
Overall, the reasons for Israeli involvement in conflicts are multifaceted and often interconnected, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
