WASHINGTON: An all-out Israeli offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah would provoke “anarchy” without eliminating Hamas, US state secretary Antony Blinken said Sunday, as Washington stepped up a pressure campaign against such an assault.
Separately, US national security advisor Jake Sullivan emphasised Washington’s concerns about an offensive in a call with his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi.“Mr Sullivan reiterated President Biden’s longstanding concerns over the potential for a major military ground operation into Rafah, where over one million people have taken shelter,” a White House readout of the phone call said.
Blinken also confirmed that the hold President Joe Biden has placed on weapons to Israel – as the US continues pressing it to better protect civilians and avoid an all-out invasion of Rafah – is limited to 3,500 “high-capacity” bombs. “The secretary underscored the urgent need to protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza and urged the minister to ensure assistance can move into Gaza and help address distribution challenges inside of Gaza as Israel pursues Hamas targets,” state department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.
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