In a recent surge of tension around the Gaza strip, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin voiced serious concerns about the Israeli military’s capability to safeguard civilians in the possible incursion into the border territory of Rafah. This scrutiny arises amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firm pledge to launch an offensive against Hamas battalions in Rafah “with or without a deal,” challenging ceasefire negotiations and international calls for restraint.
Speaking to lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee, Secretary Austin highlighted that while Israel possesses a plan for the operation, there are significant worries about its “lack of execution.” He underscored the importance of “making provisions for the civilians [so that] wherever you direct them to, you have sustainment in that area.” Austin further detailed the need for adequate housing, medical care, and overall protection, elements he suggests are currently lacking in Israel’s approach.
Austin told Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), a member of the committee, that based on his experience in urban warfare during his service in Iraq where he led the fight against ISIS, he could devise a plan to evacuate a large number of civilians from Rafah.
“Do you really believe that there is a conceivable plan of evacuation that would save civilian lives and allow Netanyahu to go into Rafah — could you come up with such a plan?” the lawmaker asked, to which the secretary said, “I could.”
“Of course, we see some signs that they’re moving towards that direction, but in terms of all of the things that need to take place before an attack happens, and we’ve not seen a number of things that we believe will have to happen,” the secretary continued.
He mentioned that Israel has a plan, but the issue is whether it can carry it out effectively.
This discussion gains particular poignancy considering the significant human cost already exacted by the ongoing conflict. More than 34,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in the war, a figure provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. While these numbers have not been independently verified, there is no evidence to suggest that they have been inflated.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has raised the alarm on the alleged illegal use of U.S.-made weapons by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, further complicating the Biden administration’s position as it faces pressure to halt arms provision to Israel.
Relevant articles:
– SecDef has ‘not seen’ Israeli plan for protecting civilians in likely Rafah operation, Defense One, 05/01/2024
– Austin: Main concern of Rafah operation is executing plan to safeguard civilians, Washington Examiner, 04/30/2024
– Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah ‘with or without a deal’ as cease-fire talks with Hamas continue, Japan Today, 04/30/2024
– US defense chief concerned about Israel’s execution of plan to protect civilians in Rafah operation, Yeni Şafak English, 05/01/2024