US continues to oppose Rafah operation, Blinken informs Israel’s Netanyahu

In a tense meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken reiterated the United States’ opposition to an Israeli assault on the crowded Gaza city of Rafah. Despite Netanyahu’s vow to press ahead with the operation, Blinken stood firm on the US position, citing concerns for the safety of civilians in the area.

During the two and a half hour meeting in Jerusalem, Blinken discussed the importance of reaching a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized that it is Hamas that is standing in the way of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Blinken also pushed for increased aid to enter Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of an impending famine.

The Gaza war, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of over 1,170 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, with the majority being women and children. Additionally, Palestinian militants took hostages during the attack, with Israel estimating that 129 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 believed to be dead.

Despite the ongoing violence and tensions, Blinken remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and providing much-needed aid to the people of Gaza. The US official’s strong stance against the assault on Rafah underscores the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of civilians in the region.