The United States has temporarily suspended a planned arms shipment to Israel amid concerns over a possible full-scale Israeli ground operation in the Gaza city of Rafah. The halted shipment, intended to include 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, reflects the U.S. administration’s apprehensions regarding Israel’s potential actions in densely populated urban areas and the resulting humanitarian implications.
The pause in arms transfers, the first known delay since the October 7 attack by Hamas, is a significant indicator of the Biden administration’s concerns about the trajectory of Israeli military operations. According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, the U.S. believes negotiations ongoing in Cairo “should be able to close the remaining gaps” between Israel and Hamas, illustrating an American preference for diplomatic rather than military solutions.
The seizure of the Rafah border crossing by Israeli troops has been criticized by Hamas, which accused Israel of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The disruption of aid and travel into the Strip has been a point of contention, particularly following reports from a Gaza border official that it had “stopped completely.”
The suspension of the bomb shipment comes against the backdrop of significant casualties and destruction. The Gaza Health Ministry reports at least 34,000 people have been killed since the war began, with a majority being women and children, though the figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. In contrast, Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s attack, has seen the death of approximately 1,200 people.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on aid convoys.
The stalled arms deals, encompassing not only bombs but also tank ammunition, military vehicles, and mortar missiles valued at approximately $1 billion, mark a departure from the U.S.’s traditional staunch support of Israel, which has intensified following Hamas’ attack last October.
On the ground, the IDF’s evacuation orders to residents of eastern Rafah and the unanimous decision of the war cabinet to press ahead with military operations indicate a tense situation.
Congress passed a $95 billion security bill last month that included significant military aid for Israel, the broader review of military assistance transfers initiated by the Biden administration in April continues.
Relevant articles:
– U.S. paused shipment of thousands of bombs to Israel amid Rafah rift, The Washington Post, 05/08/2024
– U.S. Halts Bomb Shipment To Israel Amid Concerns Over Rafah Op., i24NEWS, 05/08/2024
– US halts bomb shipment to Israel amid signs of full-scale Rafah invasion, WION, 05/08/2024
– US Pauses Bomb Shipment to Israel Over Concerns of Gaza Ground Operation, Arise News, 05/08/2024
– US ‘suspends bombs shipment’ to Israel as anger grows over Gaza death toll, Evening Standard, 05/08/2024