US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing concerns about a potential Israeli offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The White House said Biden underscored US worries about an invasion of Rafah, where over 1 million civilians from other parts of Gaza have sought shelter after 7 months of conflict.
Kabul 24: The call comes ahead of Biden’s meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, as the situation in Gaza continues to escalate.
Netanyahu Rejects International Pressure
In a fiery speech on Israel’s Holocaust memorial day, Netanyahu rejected calls to halt the war in Gaza, declaring “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone.”
He defiantly stated that “No amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum will stop Israel from defending itself,” emphasizing “Never again is now.”
Escalating Tensions in Gaza
On Sunday, Hamas fired rockets at Israeli troops near the main humanitarian aid crossing, killing four soldiers.
In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes on Rafah killed 22 people, including children and infants, according to a local hospital.
The Biden administration is clearly concerned about the potential for a humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where a large number of displaced Gazans have sought refuge. However, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his position, rejecting international pressure and vowing that Israel will defend itself, even if it means standing alone. As the conflict continues to escalate, the situation in Gaza remains highly volatile and concerning.
