It would be a misstep for Israel to undertake a ground operation in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, and the United States has signaled it cannot back such an action. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined this stance in remarks reported by TASS and echoed by other officials who stressed the humanitarian and strategic risks of a large-scale incursion. The core message was straightforward: escalation in Rafah is not a path the United States would support, given the likely civilian toll and the potential ripple effects on regional stability.
In remarks echoed at the highest levels of the administration, President Joe Biden affirmed the same position, stressing that a broad ground offensive in Rafah would be misguided and unacceptable from the perspective of American policy. The administration has repeatedly urged proportional responses and a focus on protecting civilians, arguing that military actions in densely populated urban areas could cause catastrophic humanitarian damage and undermine long-term security goals in the region.
On March 21, reports indicated that the United States submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council seeking an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. The draft signaled Washington’s intention to push for a rapid pause in hostilities and a path toward humanitarian relief and negotiations, while balancing broader regional considerations and security concerns. The move reflected a preference for multilateral diplomacy to prevent further deterioration on the ground.
That same day, discussions emerged about how Gaza might be governed once the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict reaches a turning point. Officials indicated that planning would be needed for governance arrangements in Gaza after any eventual settlement or cessation of hostilities. The remarks pointed to potential transitions, reconstruction needs, and the challenges of ensuring stability and civilian protection in the aftermath of intense fighting.
There have been prior accusations that humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza faced deliberate bottlenecks. The United States and its partners have pressed for unhindered aid corridors and rapid relief for civilians trapped by the fighting, highlighting the essential role of humanitarian agencies in delivering food, medicines, and vital supplies to those in need. Access remains a persistent point of contention and a central element of ongoing diplomatic dialogue with regional and international actors. (Citation: U.S. State Department briefings, 2025)
Earlier reporting noted that Germany expressed support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, coupled with conditions meant to address security concerns, governance provisions, and the practicalities of state-building. This stance reflects a broader spectrum of international perspectives on the path to lasting peace, the contours of a two-state solution, and the steps needed to realize such an outcome while safeguarding regional stability and security commitments among international partners. (Citation: German government press release, 2025)