Biden Maintains Israel Policy Following Deadly Strike in Rafah

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Washington — National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed the administration’s sorrow over the loss of life but noted that the White House is awaiting the results of Israel’s investigation into the incident.

White House Stance Unchanged 

The White House announced on Tuesday that President Joe Biden is not changing his policy toward Israel after a deadly strike killed more than 45 people. This indicates that the incident has not yet crossed a threshold that would require a shift in American support.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed sorrow over the “heartbreaking” incident and stated that the U.S. would seek answers from Israel following their investigation. 

Earlier Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a secondary explosion likely caused a fire that set nearby tents ablaze, not the initial strike. The fire, which occurred on Sunday, swept through a temporary refugee camp near the southern Gaza city of Rafah, resulting in the deaths of approximately 45 Palestinians. The IDF stated that the operation targeted two Hamas militants, both of whom were killed in the attack.

Investigation and International Reactions

The attack took place in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood, a location where thousands of Palestinians were sheltering. According to the Hamas-run Gazan Health Ministry, more than half of the casualties were women, children, and elderly people. Kirby informed reporters at the White House that in light of Sunday’s strike, there are no immediate policy changes to address. He emphasized that the Israelis will conduct an investigation, expressing keen interest in its findings. The investigation’s outcome will determine the next steps.

This statement is the strongest indication so far that Biden is not considering suspending arms shipments or other aid to Israel. Kirby’s position remains unwavering, despite his recent comments in a CNN interview this month where he expressed his refusal to allow specific U.S. weapons for use in a major offensive in Rafah.

Kirby urged Israel to take measures to protect civilian lives and cautioned about the potential for Israel to become increasingly isolated from its traditional allies. Nevertheless, he emphasized that there are no signs yet that Israel has conducted a military campaign that would lead Biden to withhold aid or weapons.

Escalation in Rafah

On Tuesday, Israeli tanks were seen in central Rafah for the first time in Israel’s seven-month conflict with Hamas, marking a new phase of its offensive as Israel continues its operations despite growing international pressure. Kirby highlighted that, to date, Israel has not initiated a full-scale ground incursion into Rafah, instead concentrating on neutralizing Hamas leaders through targeted strikes. He indicated that the U.S. would review Israel’s assessment of the incident to determine the next steps.

Kirby explained that the U.S. isn’t involved in the strike’s execution—it’s entirely Israel’s operation. He emphasized that Israel will conduct its investigation, and the U.S. will look into it afterward.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the United States “will be watching” the results of Israel’s investigation into the deadly strike and subsequent fire in Rafah “closely.” He stressed that the findings should be “presented openly and transparently to us and to the world.” Meanwhile, the Biden administration has paused shipments of certain bombs to Israel due to concerns they could be used in Rafah.

UN Court Ruling and Military Actions

Despite a ruling on Friday by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering an immediate halt to its military offensive in Rafah, Israel proceeded with its strike. Israel contended that the court’s ruling allowed some room for military action, asserting that it was within its rights to target Hamas militants posing a threat.

As the investigation unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring Israel’s response to the incident and evaluating whether the findings will lead to any shifts in U.S. policy or broader international relations.