Blinken to discuss Rafah operation on Israeli trip
Mar 21, 2024
Washington [US], March 21: A spokesman for the US Department of State said there is "no doubt" that the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss Israel's planned ground offensive in Rafah, during his upcoming trip to Israel.
"We have been very clear that we believe that in order to undertake any kind of operation," the spokesman told reporters, Israel must address the "humanitarian challenges that are faced in the Rafah region".
There are currently around 1.5 million displaced Palestinians sheltering in Rafah, and the US has said that in order for Israel to gain its support for a military offensive against the city, a concrete plan to protect civilians there must be presented. US officials said last week that they have yet to see such a plan.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Tuesday that he will send a delegation to the US to discuss the Rafah operation with Biden administration officials.
Source: Qatar Tribune
