Biden Administration Halts Shipment of Bombs to Israel Amid Concerns Over Gaza Incursion

The Biden administration has announced that it will halt the shipment of bombs to Israel, citing concerns about their potential use in an expected incursion into Rafah. This news was confirmed by an official from the administration, who stated that the detained shipment last week included 1,800 910-kilo bombs and 1,700 225-kilo bombs. The official emphasized that they are particularly focused on the end use of the bombs and the potential impact they could have on densely populated urban areas like Gaza. No final decision has been made on how to proceed with this shipment.

The United States opposes the large-scale offensive being planned by Israeli troops in Rafah and has made it clear that they will not support an attack without a plan to protect civilians and prevent an escalation of the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Yesterday, Israel carried out what the United States described as a “limited” operation in Rafah, seizing control of the border crossing with Egypt where humanitarian aid passes through. The State Department spokesperson noted that while this operation appears to be limited, much depends on what comes next as Israel has indicated its intent to conduct a major military operation in the area, which is something that Washington opposes.