Antony Blinken tells Israeli leaders

Ashdod:

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday he had made clear to Israeli leaders the U.S. opposition to a major attack on the Gaza city of Rafah and said he suggested “better ways” to approach Hamas.

“Our position is clear. It hasn’t changed, it won’t change,” Blinken told reporters.

“We cannot and will not support a major military operation in Rafah without an effective plan to ensure civilians are not harmed, and we have seen no such plan.”

“At the same time, there are other ways — and, in our view, better ways — to deal with the real ongoing challenge of Hamas that do not require a major military operation” in Rafah, Blinken said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to launch an attack on Rafah to eradicate Hamas, despite US opposition and regardless of whether operatives accept a proposal for a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages.

Blinken, whose meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem lasted longer than expected, declined to characterize the Israeli leader’s position but made clear that the United States would continue to raise concerns.

“We have been talking to the Israelis about this and we will continue those conversations,” he said of Rafah.

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