The United States has halted a shipment of bombs to Israel due to worries about their possible utilization in a Rafah incursion. The shipment, which was delayed last week, consists of 1,800 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds and 1,700 bombs weighing 500 pounds. A US official expressed particular concern about the impact of the 2,000-pound bombs in dense urban settings, citing previous instances in Gaza.
Israeli leaders have been signaling a future invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite public statements from the US and others advising against such a ground operation. The Biden administration has urged for a comprehensive plan to safeguard over a million civilians in Rafah and prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the region.
