The Biden administration has urged Israel to refrain from launching a major military assault on Rafah, including during a recent virtual meeting. U.S. officials, in the meeting, reviewed Israel’s proposed attack plans but were not convinced that they aligned with President Biden’s directive to minimize civilian casualties, as per a White House statement.
During a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, David Satterfield, the U.S. special envoy for humanitarian issues in Gaza, reiterated the administration’s apprehensions regarding Israel’s intentions to invade Rafah.
Mr. Satterfield emphasized the need for a credible humanitarian plan before supporting a ground operation in Rafah, expressing concerns about aid distribution and the displacement of already vulnerable civilians.
Previous Israeli army strikes have targeted Al-Mawasi, as reported by Palestinians in the region. Israel has attributed these attacks to militants launching rockets from Al-Mawasi.
Residents like Mr. al-Hassi, a medic seeking refuge in Al-Mawasi, feel the constant threat of being caught in the crossfire, highlighting the lack of safe spaces in the conflict zone.
In Rafah, Rajab al-Sindawi, a displaced secondhand clothing salesman, expressed anxiety about the uncertain future for him, his family, and others crowded into makeshift shelters.
“The people are all waiting to hear how they will move us,” he said.
Reporting contributed by Michael Levenson, Anushka Patil, and Lauren Leatherby.
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