The Biden administration has reaffirmed its support for Israel, stating that recent tragic deaths in Rafah won’t alter its policy or military aid commitments. The administration is closely monitoring an investigation into an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, which killed numerous Palestinians but has not been deemed a major ground operation that would violate U.S. red lines. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized that the US has no specific “measuring stick” or “quota” for such incidents but reiterated concerns about large-scale operations that could cause extensive damage and casualties. The airstrike, which Israel has termed a “tragic mistake,” targeted two senior Hamas operatives. Despite the high civilian toll, Kirby noted that Israel’s use of precision-guided munitions suggests an attempt to minimize collateral damage. Vice President Kamala Harris described the incident as “tragic” and highlighted the humanitarian impact, while Israeli officials continue to assert that the civilian casualties were unintended.
Human rights groups and Arab American organizations have criticized the US response, arguing that continued military aid to Israel implicates the US in the violence. Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, labeled the ongoing conflict as both an “American genocide” and an “Israeli genocide,” a term strongly rejected by Israeli and US officials. The State Department expressed deep concern over the Rafah incident and urged Israel to conduct a thorough investigation, which Israel has promised. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that Washington would closely follow the investigation’s progress. Despite the tragic event, Israel’s operations in Rafah have not reached the scale of those in central or northern Gaza, according to US officials.
Global leaders have condemned the loss of life, particularly in designated “humanitarian zones” where displaced families sought refuge. Gaza’s health ministry reports that over 36,000 Palestinians have died since Israel launched its air and ground offensive following Hamas-led attacks on October 7, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken by militants.
Kirby warned that Israel risks international isolation due to the conduct of its military operations, which is not in its best interest or that of the United States. The Biden administration’s stance remains focused on preventing a major ground operation in Rafah that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and increase civilian casualties. Despite criticisms, the administration continues to support Israel, emphasizing the need for targeted and precise military actions while maintaining humanitarian concerns.
In summary, while the Biden administration condemns the tragic loss of life in Rafah and urges careful scrutiny of Israel’s military actions, it maintains its strategic support and military aid to Israel. This stance reflects a delicate balance between upholding ally commitments and addressing the humanitarian fallout of the ongoing conflict.
