WASHINGTON. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to dispatch a team of officials to Washington for discussions regarding a prospective operation in Rafah. The decision follows a call between Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday, marking their first interaction in over a month amid escalating disagreements over the handling of the Gaza conflict and humanitarian concerns.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed the upcoming talks, stating that they will involve military, intelligence, and humanitarian experts from both sides. The discussions are expected to focus on Israel’s proposed operation in the southern city of Rafah, which aims to target Hamas following a deadly attack by the militant group on October 7.
Despite Israel’s intentions, the White House has expressed skepticism towards a major ground operation in Rafah, emphasizing the need to avoid exacerbating civilian casualties and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sullivan reiterated Biden’s stance against such an operation, emphasizing the importance of targeting Hamas while minimizing civilian harm.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu also comes amidst criticism from Republicans in Washington and Israeli officials over remarks made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for Israel to hold new elections and criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. Biden refrained from endorsing Schumer’s call but acknowledged the concerns raised in his speech.
The Biden administration has emphasized the necessity for Israel to present a credible plan ensuring the safety of innocent Palestinian civilians before proceeding with any operation in Rafah. However, Israel has yet to provide such a plan, according to White House officials.
Netanyahu, in a statement following the call, underscored Israel’s commitment to achieving its goals in the conflict, including eliminating Hamas and ensuring Gaza’s non-threatening status to Israel. He made no direct mention of the tensions surrounding the proposed operation in Rafah.
Meanwhile, a new report warns of an imminent famine in northern Gaza, where a significant portion of the population is experiencing severe hunger. The report underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and avoiding further escalation of the conflict, which could push Gaza’s population further towards starvation.
Despite the challenges in the relationship between the two allies, the White House acknowledges Israel’s efforts in degrading Hamas. Sullivan revealed that an Israeli operation last week successfully targeted Hamas’ third in command, Marwan Issa.
President Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict was evident in previous remarks, where he emphasized the need for a coherent strategy to address humanitarian concerns while targeting militant groups. Biden has also announced measures to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, including the establishment of a temporary pier and air-dropping aid supplies.
The ongoing conflict, which erupted following Hamas-led militants’ attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Both sides are now engaged in diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the crisis while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
In a separate development, Netanyahu has asserted that a ground incursion is necessary to eradicate Hamas in Rafah. Netanyahu’s statement comes in response to a call from the White House to reassess strategies concerning the Gaza border city, which is currently densely populated with displaced Palestinians.
During a briefing with lawmakers on Tuesday, Netanyahu emphasized that he had conveyed to Biden the Israeli government’s unwavering determination to eliminate Hamas forces in Rafah. He asserted, “We are determined to complete the elimination of these (Hamas) battalions in Rafah, and there’s no way to do that except by going in on the ground.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
