The Biden administration stated that recent Israeli operations in Rafah, Gaza, do not constitute a major ground offensive that would breach U.S. policy limits, while closely monitoring the investigation into a deadly strike on a tent camp. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the U.S. is not ignoring the plight of Palestinian civilians, referring to the strike that killed at least 45 people as a “tragic mistake.”
Despite concerns, Kirby noted that the current Israeli actions have not reached the level of a large-scale invasion that would prompt the U.S. to withdraw military assistance. The Pentagon described the Rafah assault as “limited in scope” and is awaiting the conclusion of Israel’s investigation into the strike.
The New York Times reported that the bombs used were U.S.-made GBU-39s, which are designed to minimize civilian casualties. Israel called the incident a “tragic accident,” stating their munitions alone could not have caused the blaze. Israeli forces were also accused of another attack in Tel al-Sultan, killing at least 21 people, which the Israeli military denied.
Kirby warned that Israel’s actions could further isolate it internationally, which is not in the best interest of either Israel or the U.S.
