Palestinian leader urges US to intervene and halt Israel’s Rafah offensive

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a plea to the United States to intervene and prevent Israel from attacking Rafah, the southern Gaza city where over a million people are seeking refuge. Abbas warned that any attack on Rafah could result in Palestinians fleeing Gaza, creating a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions.

The US has reiterated its stance to Israel, stating that it cannot support a large-scale military operation in Rafah without a credible plan to protect civilians. President Joe Biden emphasized this position to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent phone call.

The situation in Rafah is already dire, with more than half of Gaza’s population seeking shelter in the overcrowded city. Displaced residents have reported shortages of food, water, and medication, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to prevent further suffering.

Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages have exposed divisions within Israel’s governing coalition. War cabinet member Benny Gantz emphasized the importance of returning hostages, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich insisted that the government should resign if the planned offensive in Rafah is canceled.

As tensions escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with Egypt and other Arab states expressing concerns about a potential influx of Palestinian refugees. The fate of Rafah hangs in the balance as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution to the conflict.