US halts weapons shipment to Israel over Rafah incursion concerns

UNITED STATES: The Biden administration took action last week by pausing a shipment of weapons to Israel amid concerns about the potential for an Israeli incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, a senior administration official said on Tuesday (7 May).

This move reflects President Biden’s efforts to prevent a large-scale assault on Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge from ongoing conflict elsewhere in Gaza.

According to a senior administration official speaking anonymously, the decision to halt the shipment came as Israeli leaders appeared to be nearing a choice regarding a possible incursion into Rafah.

“The US position has been that Israel should not launch a major ground operation in Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering with nowhere else to go,” the official said.

The review of proposed transfers of specific weapons to Israel began in April, with a particular focus on their potential use in Rafah.

The paused shipment includes 1,800 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds and 1,700 bombs weighing 500 pounds.

The concern primarily revolves around the impact of the 2,000-pound bombs in densely populated urban areas, similar to the situation observed in other parts of Gaza.

According to BBC, it is noted that the official stressed that the halted shipments were unrelated to last month’s landmark US$17 billion military aid package but were instead drawn from “previously appropriated funds.”

While Israeli leaders have been signalling the possibility of a future invasion of Rafah, the US and other international actors have publicly expressed opposition to such a ground operation.

The Biden administration has stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to protect over a million civilians sheltering in Rafah and to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the region.

UNICEF warns of catastrophic risks to children in Rafah

Amid the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, UNICEF has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences of a military siege and ground incursion in Rafah.

The organization emphasizes that such actions would pose catastrophic risks to the 600,000 children currently seeking shelter in the enclave.

Given the high concentration of children in Rafah, many of whom are already highly vulnerable and barely surviving, UNICEF highlights the potential for intense violence and the resulting dangers.

The organization warns of the risks posed by potential evacuation corridors, which may be mined or littered with unexploded ordnance.

Additionally, the limited availability of shelter and services in relocation areas further exacerbates the situation.

UNICEF underscores the grave consequences of military operations in Rafah, including the likelihood of very high civilian casualties and the complete destruction of the few remaining basic services and infrastructure crucial for children’s survival.

The organization emphasizes that Rafah has become a city primarily inhabited by children, who are left with nowhere safe to seek refuge within Gaza.

Israeli military continues operations in Rafah despite Hamas’ acceptance of ceasefire

In a potentially significant development for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the militant group Hamas has announced its acceptance of a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, aiming to bring an end to the prolonged seven-month conflict with Israel.

Hamas confirmed the agreement in a statement released on Monday (6 May), detailing discussions where Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas’s political bureau, conveyed their decision to both the Qatari prime minister and the Egyptian intelligence minister.

While Hamas’s acceptance of the ceasefire deal signifies a potential breakthrough, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed reservations.

They stated that the proposal agreed upon by Hamas falls short of meeting Israel’s demands.

However, despite this discrepancy, the Israeli government has decided to send a delegation for negotiations.

Simultaneously, Israel has announced its intention to continue military operations in Rafah, a move that underscores the complexities of the situation.

The Israeli military has begun striking targets in the eastern part of the city, emphasizing its commitment to ongoing operations despite ceasefire negotiations.

According to the latest data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the death toll among Palestinians stands at 35,287 people, with a staggering number of casualties including over 14,500 children killed and more than 80,000 injured.