On Politics

Wed May 29 2024

Hi OnPolitics readers. Israel's deadly strike on Rafah that killed at least 45 people in the Gaza Strip over the weekend did not appear to cross any Biden administration "red lines" as the Israel-Hamas war continues.

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden indicated he would withhold the shipment of high payload bombs and artillery shells until the Israeli government abandons invading Rafah.

But National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday that while the administration mourned the loss of life, the White House would be waiting for the results of Israel's investigation into the matter, USA TODAY's Karissa Waddick reported.

💬 What did Israel say? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a "tragic accident." It immediately prompted global backlash, as the strike took place near an Israeli military designated "safe" zone for Palestinian civilians seeking shelter.

🎤How did the White House respond? Kirby emphasized that Israel has yet to launch an all-ground incursion into Rafah and said its use of precision-guided munitions indicate an effort to precisely target Hamas leaders. In reference to the Israeli investigation into the incident, he added, "If we had done this, I think we would want the benefit of having the opportunity to investigate it and figure out what happened."

📣What did Harris say? Vice President Kamala Harris said Tuesday "the word tragic doesn't even begin to describe" the incident. She did not respond to a reporter's follow-up question about whether it crossed a "red line."