Official says US halted bomb shipment to Israel due to concerns over Rafah invasion

The U.S. Pauses Shipment of Bombs to Israel Amid Concerns of Impending Assault on Gaza

In a bold move last week, the United States halted a shipment of bombs to Israel over fears that the country was on the brink of launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the shipment was intended to include 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, with particular concern over the larger explosives and their potential impact on the densely populated urban setting of Rafah.

Tensions between the U.S. and Israel have been escalating following Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 250 more by militants. President Joe Biden’s administration has been urging Israel to prioritize the protection of innocent civilians in Gaza, leading to a growing divide between the two governments.

Despite historically providing significant military aid to Israel, the U.S. has put a temporary hold on the arms shipment as a clear signal of disapproval towards Israel’s potential military actions in Rafah. The decision to pause the shipment was made last week, with no final determination yet on whether it will proceed at a later date.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, with concerns mounting over the potential humanitarian impact of a full-scale Israeli assault on the city. The U.S. has reaffirmed its support for Israel, but also emphasized the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians in the region.