Kirby: We believe that launching a major ground attack in Rafah is a mistake (French)

The United States confirmed on Friday that it will discuss with Israeli officials “next week” alternative options to eliminate the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip without launching a ground attack on Rafah that might cause a “disaster.”

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said - during a press conference - “There are one and a half million people there... We believe that launching a major ground attack is a mistake and would be a disaster.”

He added that the Israeli government will send a delegation to Washington within days to talk about alternatives to a ground operation, indicating that American officials will discuss possible options with Israeli officials, and that more details about the visit will be announced in the coming days.

He added, "There is still time to talk to Israel about Rafah. We want to provide the Israelis with some alternatives and options to pursue Hamas without sacrificing the safety of civilians."

No place is safe

In turn, Kamla Harris, US Vice President, stressed today the importance of protecting civilians in the city, noting that the residents of Rafah have no way to escape.

"There is nowhere for these people to go to be safe," she told reporters as she departed on a trip to Puerto Rico.

The American newspaper Politico quoted officials in Washington as saying, “The problem regarding Rafah goes beyond (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu because the entire (Israeli) war council is united in this regard.”

Blinken's visit

On the other hand, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met in Tel Aviv today with Netanyahu before his participation in the War Council meeting, where he warned Israeli leaders of the dangers of the attack on Rafah and the lack of a plan for the day after the Gaza war.

Blinken stressed - at the conclusion of his sixth visit to Israel since the start of the war - that the attack on Rafah will not achieve the goal that Israel seeks, and threatens to isolate it from the world.

He added, "We made clear that the military operation in Rafah will not achieve Israel's goal, as it threatens to kill more civilians on the one hand, and isolate Tel Aviv from the world on the other hand," noting that "he will discuss the Rafah issue with Israeli officials in Washington next week."

On the other hand, Netanyahu said that Israel is still determined to send forces to Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are seeking refuge, and “will do so without American support if necessary.”

He added - in a statement - that he informed the US Secretary of State that there is no way to defeat Hamas without entering Rafah.

He continued, "I told him that I hope we will do this with the support of the United States, but if we have to, we will do it alone."

continue the "mission"

In turn, War Council Minister Benny Gantz said that he thanked the US Secretary of State during his meeting for his support for Israel, stressing at the same time “Israel’s commitment to continuing the mission and dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure, including Rafah.”

It is noteworthy that Rafah, which houses about 1.5 million people according to the United Nations, the vast majority of whom were displaced due to the war, is subjected to continuous Israeli bombing, amid Israeli talk of an imminent ground operation.

For the 168th day, Israel continues its devastating war on Rafah and the entire Gaza Strip, causing tens of thousands of civilian casualties, most of them children and women, and an unprecedented humanitarian and health crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies