Washington, D.C. — The Israeli army entered Gaza’s southern city of Rafah this morning after having ordered roughly 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate yesterday. In response, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
Continuing with a reckless ground invasion of Rafah would mark the beginning of yet another nightmare for Palestinians there and hostage families in Israel. Rafah has become a place of last refuge for nearly 1 million people with no place left to flee. Even a limited campaign would place far too many civilian lives at risk and further delay a ceasefire.
President Joe Biden and other officials have long warned against an invasion in Rafah. The administration’s recent delays in transferring weapons to Israel are welcome signs that the United States will not materially support this invasion. Now more than ever, U.S. officials must make perfectly clear that a Rafah invasion is unacceptable and will only jeopardize efforts toward a hostage return and lasting ceasefire. Until a ceasefire is reached, the administration must withhold any lethal weapons that will only embolden Netanyahu in carrying out this senseless and deadly operation.
For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].