The United States authorized shipments of warplanes and munitions to Israel valued in the billions of dollars, despite worries about a forthcoming operation in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. This assessment is drawn from a Washington Post report that cites unnamed sources familiar with the discussions inside Washington.
Officials said the Biden administration permitted the transfer of substantial arms packages in recent days, even as concerns persisted about an anticipated military push south of Gaza. The report notes that the shipments would include more than 1,800 MK84 bombs and more than 500 MK82 bombs, underscoring the scale of equipment being moved to support Israel’s campaign plans.
Observers from within the Democratic Party reportedly argued that the United States should condition arms deliveries on clear commitments to protect civilians during the Rafah operation, aiming to minimize casualties and the risk of a humanitarian crisis. The argument reflects long-standing debates in Washington about balancing security assistance with civilian protection in conflict zones.
Earlier statements from the U.S. State Department clarified that Israel’s planned operations in Rafah could deepen international isolation and prompt some long-standing partners to reassess their relations with the country. The diplomatic caution highlighted concerns that actions in Rafah could complicate alliance dynamics and damage regional stability.
Meanwhile, voices from various political quarters have weighed in on the negotiations taking place in Doha, while former Hamas officials have commented on the progress of discussions and what they could mean for the broader conflict landscape.