As Israel insists on invading the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, despite ongoing negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, Washington has reiterated its rejection of this military operation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Wednesday that Washington opposes the Israeli attack on the densely populated city of Rafah during talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who pledged to move forward with the ground operation, according to an American official.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the top U.S. diplomat "reiterated the clear position of the United States regarding Rafah" after Blinken expressed his opposition to the attack again, citing concerns for civilians who have been displaced to the city. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's office reported that "the Rafah operation is not conditional on any other matter, and this was made clear to Blinken." Netanyahu remarked, "Hamas's insistence on stopping the war will nullify the exchange deal," emphasizing his rejection of any truce agreement that includes "ending the war." Israeli media outlets have reported that Netanyahu stressed to Blinken the necessity for Hamas to abandon its demand to halt the war.
