Last week, the United States paused a shipment of bombs destined for Israel amid concerns that Israel was gearing up for a significant ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. A senior US administration official disclosed that Israel had not adequately addressed American concerns regarding the humanitarian needs of civilians in Rafah.
Despite this pause, an Israeli military official seemed to downplay the significance of the US move, emphasizing the ongoing security assistance provided by the US to Israel. However, tensions between the allies were evident, with US officials expressing apprehension over the potential civilian casualties that could result from a large-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah, which is considered Hamas’ last major stronghold in Gaza.
The delayed arms shipment, although related to a future delivery, is likely to impact future Israeli military operations given the ongoing intensity of bombings in the region. Overnight airstrikes by Israel continued in the Gaza Strip, particularly targeting areas around Rafah, where casualties among civilians, including members of a single family, were reported.
Rafah has historically served as a crucial entry point for aid and the sole exit for fleeing individuals since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted last October. Israeli forces recently seized control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, further exacerbating tensions in the area.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages and prisoners continue, with delegations from Israel and Hamas engaging in talks through intermediaries in Cairo. However, the situation remains precarious, with the US urging Israel to refrain from launching a major ground operation in Rafah due to the significant civilian population residing there.
US-Israel discussions, conducted through the Strategic Consultative Group format, have been ongoing to address humanitarian concerns and to explore alternative strategies for dealing with Hamas in Rafah. However, as Israeli leaders approached a decision point regarding a potential operation in the city, the US began scrutinizing proposed transfers of specific weapons to Israel, particularly those that could be utilized in Rafah, starting in April.