On Wednesday, American President Joe Biden announced that the United States would halt the supply of weapons and bombs to Israel if it continues its ground offensive in Rafah. The US has made it clear that any operation in the southern Gaza Strip city must include a credible plan to protect civilians. Despite this warning, Israeli troops proceeded with airstrikes and targeted operations in Rafah.

Concerns about the situation in Rafah led to the suspension of an arms shipment by the US, with further deliveries under review. The city is home to approximately one and a half million Gazans, with Israeli troops blocking emergency aid access at the border crossing. Biden expressed regret that American weapons were being used in Gaza, acknowledging the civilian casualties caused by these bombings.

While Biden emphasized that Israel has not yet crossed a red line by entering Rafah’s population centers, he made it clear that the US will stop arms supplies once they do. The US remains opposed to operations in civilian areas and will continue to provide support for Israel’s defense systems, such as the Iron Dome. However, weapons and artillery that target cities will not be supplied.

Biden stressed that ensuring Israel’s security does not require the use of weapons against civilian populations. The US stands firm in its position against attacks on cities and will not condone actions that result in civilian casualties.