President Biden has expressed concern over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, stating that Netanyahu is causing more harm than good to Israel. Biden specifically criticized the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) operation in the city of Rafah, warning that crossing certain lines could worsen the situation.
Despite ongoing political tensions, the prospects of a ceasefire remain uncertain as Hamas shows no signs of relenting in its hostility towards Israel. The conflict, now in its 156th day, has yet to see a resolution, with negotiations set to resume next week. However, Israel's Mossad intelligence agency has cautioned that Hamas may prioritize escalating the conflict over reaching a peaceful agreement.
The prolonged war has raised humanitarian concerns for the Palestinian population in Gaza, prompting criticism from President Biden regarding the loss of innocent lives. Biden emphasized the need for Israel to balance its right to self-defense with the protection of civilians, suggesting that Netanyahu's actions may be detrimental to Israel's global image.
During a recent interview, Biden referenced the high death toll in Gaza, with reports estimating around 30,000 casualties since the conflict began. Concerns are mounting that the situation could worsen if Israeli forces advance into Rafah, a move contingent on the release of hostages.
As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches, there are fears that heightened tensions could further destabilize the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.
