Expected Israeli Assault on Rafah Causes International Concern

Western and Arab leaders are expressing concerns over Israel’s anticipated assault on Rafah, a densely populated city in the Gaza Strip, now home to an estimated 1.3 million displaced Palestinians.

The Details: Israeli forces believe removing Hamas from power cannot be achieved without taking Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza. Concerns have been raised about where the displaced Palestinians, who were urged by the Israeli forces to move south during the bombing campaign in northern Gaza, will relocate if an Israeli assault materializes.

Key Quotes: Speaking alongside Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Monday, President Joe Biden said, “The major military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible plan to ensure the safety and support of more than 1 million people sheltering there. Many people there have been displaced -- displaced multiple times, fleeing the violence to the north. And now they’re packed into Rafah, exposed and vulnerable. They need to be protected.” Biden also told reporters that the U.S. is “working on hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, which would bring an immediate and sustained period of calm to Gaza for at least six weeks.”

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum emphasized the international pressure on Israel. The Hill (Center bias) focused on efforts to negotiate a deal to pause fighting. The Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) focused on the American support for Israel’s while acknowledging the calls for a well-thought-out plan for the safety of civilians.

This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.