During a press briefing aboard Air Force Two, US Vice President Kamala Harris shared her apprehension regarding the safety of civilians in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, amidst the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive. Harris emphasized the challenges faced by the civilian population, stating that after examining the maps, she sees no viable evacuation routes for the residents.
With a significant portion of the population, approximately 1.5 million out of 2.2 million people, currently residing in Rafah, Harris highlighted the dire circumstances faced by the inhabitants. She pointed out that many individuals were directed to relocate to the area, further complicating the situation.
As the Biden administration gears up to host a delegation of senior Israeli officials in Washington, tensions remain high as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signals intentions to proceed with a potential incursion into Rafah, despite calls for restraint from the United States.
The escalating situation in Rafah underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.