In what represents a significant shift in the US-Israeli dynamics, Washington has paused a significant shipment of bombs to Israel over concerns about the potential for a full-scale assault on the densely populated Gaza city of Rafah. Amid international alarms about the humanitarian crisis, the move marks a direct intervention by the Biden administration to press Israel on the issue of civilian casualties and the conduct of its military operations.
According to a senior administration official, the paused shipment contained a considerable arsenal, including 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs. The US’s pause in aid is informed by fears that the larger explosives would cause extensive damage in the urban areas of Rafah, where over a million civilians have taken shelter following Israel’s war on Hamas which began last October after a cross-border attack by the militant group.
Israel’s intensification of military actions, particularly around Rafah, has been accompanied by dire humanitarian implications. The toll on human life has been heavy, and the seizure of the Rafah crossing has further complicated the already precarious delivery of aid. As a result, this halt in military aid is perceived as a significant indicator of Washington’s unease with the trajectory of the Israeli military campaign and its ramifications on the civilian population in Gaza.
The Biden administration’s decision to review the proposed weapons transfer to Israel commence when Israeli leadership seemed to be approaching a decision on a major ground operation in Rafah. The review, which is ongoing, demonstrates the US’s concern with the end-use of the weaponry, particularly the 2,000-pound bombs, and their impact in dense urban settings.
This move by the United States diverges from historical patterns of military support for Israel and reflects growing international scrutiny over the conduct of armed conflict and the protection of civilians. A formal verdict from the Biden administration is due this week on whether Israel’s actions have breached international and US laws designed to protect civilians during wartime.
While White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described Israel’s operations at the Gaza-Egypt border in eastern Rafah as an operation of “limited scale and duration,” aimed at cutting off Hamas arms smuggling, the US stance is still one of caution. The administration has emphasized that they are monitoring the situation closely.
Behind the scenes, a report mandated under a National Security Memo is being prepared, albeit delayed, to assess whether recipients of US military assistance, like Israel, are using those weapons in line with international law. The outcome of this assessment could significantly influence the future of US military aid to Israel.
The halt in arms shipments has emerged concurrent with ceasefire talks involving various stakeholders, including Israel, Hamas, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.The US has expressed its support for bridging the gaps between conflicting proposals, hoping to foster a resolution to the hostilities that have taken a devastating toll on the Gaza populace.
Relevant articles:
– US reveals it paused shipment of bombs for Israel over Rafah concerns, bbc.com, 05/08/2024
– US paused bomb shipment to Israel to signal concerns over Rafah invasion, official says, The Associated Press, 05/08/2024
– U.S. paused shipment of thousands of bombs to Israel amid Rafah rift, The Washington Post, 05/08/2024
– US halts bomb shipment to Israel over Rafah concerns, Firstpost, 05/08/2024
– Gaza aid ‘choked off’ after IDF seizes Rafah border crossing, NBC News, 05/08/2024