Biden warns against large ground operation in Rafah, Gaza tensions intesify

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said President Joe Biden "was very clear in his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu". "We do not want to see a large ground operation in Rafah," Kirby recounted.

The President was very clear in his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu: we do not want to see a large ground operation in Rafah that would put over a million people at greater risk. Kirby said we were very direct and consistent, recounting the leaders' conversation during Monday's briefing at the White House.

When asked about media reports, including Axios, on the suspension of two batches of arms supplies from the USA to Israel as part of the pressure on Israeli authorities, Kirby did not confirm these reports. He was also repeatedly asked but did not deny them either. He did emphasize, however, that the USA's commitment to Israel's security remains "ironclad".

Kirby reported that the conversation took place before the announcement by Hamas that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal in exchange for the release of some hostages. The National Security Council spokesperson conveyed that President Biden was informed about Hamas's response but did not want to comment. As he pointed out, it's being analyzed by the US lead negotiator, CIA Director Bill Burns, and is the subject of discussions with US partners in the Middle East.

According to the White House, Netanyahu agreed to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing during the conversation for humanitarian aid. It had been closed to Israeli soldiers after Sunday's attack by Hamas.