The United States has disclosed that it temporarily halted the delivery of bombs to Israel, citing concerns regarding potential military actions in Rafah, a region in southern Gaza, as reported by CBS News. According to a senior administration official, the shipment in question included 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs.
Reportedly, the pause was prompted by worries that Israel might proceed with a significant ground operation in Rafah without adequately addressing humanitarian needs in the area. Despite ongoing dialogue between the US and Israel on addressing civilian concerns in Rafah, the administration feels these concerns have not been fully addressed by Israeli authorities.
The temporary halt in bomb shipments comes amidst escalating tensions, with Israeli forces recently seizing control of the crucial Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt. Overnight airstrikes in Gaza followed, with one strike claiming the lives of seven members of a single family in Rafah.
Rafah has emerged as a critical point for aid and evacuation efforts amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders to tens of thousands of civilians in eastern Rafah ahead of what they term as a “limited” operation against Hamas militants.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages and prisoners continue, with negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by delegations in Cairo.
The decision to pause bomb shipments is separate from a recent $17 billion military aid package to Israel and is based on concerns over the potential use of such weapons in densely populated urban areas like Rafah.
