What happened?

  • The Biden administration has paused a shipment of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs to Israel due to concerns over a potential full-scale assault on Rafah in Gaza. [foxnews.com, washingtontimes.com, bbc.com, timesofisrael.com]
  • The US is engaging with Israel on meeting humanitarian needs in Rafah and operating differently against Hamas, and the final decision on proceeding with the shipment is pending. [foxnews.com, bbc.com]
  • The decision marks the first time President Biden has restricted military aid to Israel during the conflict. [ahram.org.eg, economictimes.indiatimes.com, cbsnews.com]
  • The White House has advised against a major ground operation in Rafah by Israel. [bbc.com, cbsnews.com, ahram.org.eg, economictimes.indiatimes.com, timesofisrael.com]
  • The Biden administration is considering holding back future weapons transfers, including precision munition guidance kits. [cbsnews.com, ahram.org.eg, economictimes.indiatimes.com]
  • Rafah was a vital aid entry point into Gaza, and Israel ordered Palestinian civilian evacuations before its Rafah operation. [bbc.com]
  • The Israeli military reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza for humanitarian aid after a Hamas rocket attack. [cbsnews.com]
  • Ceasefire talks involving Israel, Hamas, US, Egypt and Qatar aim for temporary truce and hostage release. [ahram.org.eg, cbsnews.com, bbc.com]

What is Arab media saying:

  • Qatar condemned Israeli shelling of Rafah, invasion, and threat of Palestinian displacement, violating international laws. [aljazeera.net]
  • Jordan’s King warned Israel’s Rafah crossing control will worsen Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe. [aljazeera.net]
  • A UN official warned Israeli Rafah evacuation orders will lead to more deaths and displacement. [aljazeera.net]
  • UK and Irish ministers condemned Israel’s Rafah attack as violating international law. [aljazeera.net]

What is Israeli media saying?

  • 37% of Jewish Israelis prioritize Rafah military operation, with right-wing more supportive and Likud voters divided. [jpost.com]
  • The US has also delayed transfer of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to Israel earlier. [timesofisrael.com]

Sources: