Biden reiterates US opposition to Rafah operation that doesn’t take civilians into account

Speaking after meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah, US President Joe Biden reiterates that no Israeli military operation should move forward in Rafah “without a credible plan for ensuring the safety and support” for the over one million people sheltering there, many after they were already displaced several times by the war.

“We’ve also been clear from the start that we oppose any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza,” Biden reiterates.

He says the US is working to ensure that the Rafah and Kerem Shalom Crossings remain open for humanitarian aid and to get additional crossings open. Last week, the US called for the Erez Crossing to be opened by Israel in order to allow more direct entry of aid ton northern Gaza. Biden also stresses the need for aid workers to be able to safely deliver the assistance throughout Gaza once it enters the Strip, amid repeated concerns from aid agencies that deconfliction mechanisms the IDF has in place are insufficient, leading to many strikes on aid convoys.

Biden hails Jordan’s efforts to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza, pointing to the airdrops the king himself has joined.