White House national security spokesperson John Kirby announced on Sunday that Israel has pledged to consider U.S. concerns before launching an offensive in Gaza’s border city of Rafah.
This comes as Israel’s military prepares to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah and target Hamas holdouts despite global warnings of a potential humanitarian disaster.
The United States has stressed the necessity of a credible humanitarian plan before supporting any action in Rafah.
Kirby stated that Israel has assured the U.S. that it will delay its incursion into Rafah until American perspectives and concerns are thoroughly discussed.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken‘s upcoming visit to the region aims to facilitate discussions for a temporary ceasefire, with hopes of securing a more enduring solution after six weeks.
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation is set to visit Cairo for ceasefire talks, according to a Hamas official. Kirby emphasized the increasing number of aid trucks entering northern Gaza, indicating a partial fulfillment of commitments made by Israel in response to President Joe Biden‘s call for the protection of Palestinian civilians and aid workers.
Earlier this month, Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to safeguard civilians in Gaza, suggesting a potential reduction in U.S. support if such protections were not prioritized.
As tensions escalate, both the U.S. and Israel are facing a delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian considerations.
The outcome of Blinken’s visit and ongoing discussions between the two nations will likely shape the trajectory of the conflict and efforts toward peace in the region.
