US Halts Shipment of Weapons to Israel Amid Growing Concerns
The United States recently stopped a significant delivery of offensive weapons to Israel, signaling increased apprehension about a potential military operation in Rafah, according to senior administration officials cited by NBC News.
President Joe Biden is actively advocating for a compromise between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire agreement that would prevent a large-scale attack on Gaza, where over a million Palestinians are currently residing in challenging circumstances.
Israeli military authorities announced the reopening of a crucial border crossing after pressure from Washington, following the seizure of the Gaza side of another crossing by Israeli ground forces. This move raised concerns about the supply of aid to the region, although U.S. officials clarified it was a limited operation and not the full-scale assault cautioned against by Biden.
Despite tensions, Israeli officials downplayed the disagreement, emphasizing that any issues with the U.S. are resolved privately. However, there is reportedly significant frustration within the Israeli government regarding the decision, exacerbated by perceived lack of communication leading to Hamas’ unexpected acceptance of a ceasefire proposal.
Bombs on Hold
The White House intervened in the weapons shipment last week due to concerns about their potential use in Rafah, as disclosed by a senior administration official. The shipment comprised 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, with a specific focus on ending Israel’s utilization of 2,000-pound bombs in Gaza due to their impact on densely populated areas.
Despite the halt, Israel possesses a substantial arsenal, making it unlikely to deter an offensive. The U.S. initiated a review of future military aid transfers to Israel in April, as the government moved closer to a Rafah operation against the advice of Biden and other global leaders.
No final decision has been reached regarding the resumption of the weapons delivery, with the State Department separately evaluating potential future transfers, including Joint Direct Attack Munition kits for precision guidance systems on bombs.
Mounting Pressure on Israeli Prime Minister
Recent developments have seen a pause in the delivery of arms to Israel, signaling potential strains in the relationship between the U.S. and its ally amidst ongoing conflict. CIA Director William Burns engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Cairo, highlighting the delicate nature of cease-fire negotiations.
While Hamas has indicated acceptance of a proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, Israel remains hesitant, citing significant gaps in meeting its demands. The intricacies of phasing and other aspects of a truce deal, including the release of hostages, continue to be points of contention.
Despite ongoing talks, optimism remains cautious as officials emphasize the need for resolution on key issues. The decision to halt the arms shipment underscores the Biden administration’s scrutiny over the use of U.S. weapons by Israel, with a pending report to Congress on compliance with international law.
The report, mandated under a National Security Memo, requires a thorough assessment of U.S. military assistance recipients engaged in active conflict to ensure adherence to international norms.
Challenges and Criticisms
As tensions escalate, President Biden faces growing criticism over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly in Rafah. Disagreements over the necessity of an operation in the region have strained relations between the two nations.
The U.S. stance against a major ground offensive in Rafah, a densely populated area, reflects concerns for civilian safety amid escalating hostilities. Israeli military operations in the region have prompted evacuations and raised humanitarian alarms.
Calls for the reopening of key crossings and the delivery of essential supplies underscore the urgent need for humanitarian aid in the conflict-affected areas. The closure of vital routes has exacerbated shortages, impacting the lives of many in the region.
The Recent Events at the Rafah Crossing
The Israel Defense Forces carried out an operation at the Rafah crossing based on intelligence suggesting its use for “terrorist purposes.” This action followed an alleged mortar attack near the Kerem Shalom border crossing that resulted in the death of four Israeli soldiers.
While Israeli authorities claimed the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, the Palestinian Crossing Authority disputed this, stating that aid entry was still prohibited. UNRWA’s communications director, Juliette Touma, highlighted the lack of aid entering the region, leading to fuel rationing.
International Response
A senior U.S. official expressed expectations for the reopening of the Rafah crossing. However, the crossing remained shut as the IDF continued its counterterrorism operation in specific areas of eastern Rafah targeting Hamas.
According to local health officials, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 34,800 casualties in seven months. Israel initiated its offensive following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages.
Reports indicate that more than 130 hostages are still held in Gaza, with a significant number feared dead. The situation remains tense as the conflict persists.
Contributors
- Courtney Kube – Correspondent for NBC News Investigative Unit
- Carol E. Lee – Washington Managing Editor
- Andrea Mitchell - Chief Washington Correspondent for NBC News
- Raf Sanchez – Foreign Correspondent for NBC News
- Abigail Williams – Producer and Reporter for NBC News
- Chantal Da Silva – Breaking News Editor for NBC News Digital
Contributions by Mosheh Gains, Monica Alba, The Associated Press, and Reuters.
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The US calls on Israel not to advance troops into Rafah
US President Biden updated the Israeli Prime Minister on efforts to reach a hostage release agreement including ongoing negotiations in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
Israeli soldiers and artillery are deployed near the Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP.
President Biden also reiterated America’s position that it does not support an Israeli ground operation in Rafah without a plan to protect hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in this area. Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister agreed to ensure that the Kerem Shalom border gate will continue to be open so that humanitarian aid can be transported to the people.
The phone call between the US President and the Israeli Prime Minister took place just a few hours after Israel asked Palestinians to evacuate some areas in Rafah.
Meanwhile, the White House said it was reviewing Hamas’s response to the ceasefire proposal and the release of hostages. According to White House spokesman John Kirby, the US wants the hostages to be freed, all sides to cease fire within 6 weeks and humanitarian aid to be increased in the near future.
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Operation Praetorian: MP requests preventive detention for Madureira and “Polaco” | public ministry
This Tuesday, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) requested preventive detention for Fernando Madureira, leader of the Super Dragões, and Hugo “Polaco”, a member of the cheer squad, within the scope of the Operation Praetorianand house arrest with electronic surveillance for Vítor Catão.
A judicial source told the Lusa agency that, in promoting the coercive measures to be applied to the defendants by the Criminal Investigation Court (TIC) of Porto, the MP prosecutor defended that Madureira and Hugo Carneiro (“Polish”) be subject to the coercive measure most serious: preventive detention.
For Vítor Catão, who chose not to make a statement before the criminal investigation judge Pedro Miguel Vieira, the MP defended the application of house arrest, with electronic surveillance.
For the remaining nine defendants, the MP prosecutor requested a ban on contact, a ban on access to sports venues and periodic presentations to the authorities.
After the MP’s promotions, the lawyers for the 12 defendants presented their respective arguments, but the coercive measures will only be known on Wednesday afternoon, at 4 pm.
However, at the end of the afternoon, Fernando Madureira’s wife, Sandra, and five of the seven detained at the Bela Vista police station (Hugo Loureiro, Fernando Saul, Vítor ‘Aleixo’, Vítor Bruno Oliveira and José Pereira) were released.
The investigations began with a significant delay, compared to the scheduled time (10 am), with the investigating judge Pedro Miguel Vieira arriving at the TIC at 11 am.
Last Wednesday, the PSP detained 12 people – including two FC Porto employees and the leader of the Super Dragões, Fernando Madureira -, as part of the Operation Praetorianwhich investigates the incidents that occurred at the extraordinary General Assembly (GA) of FC Porto on November 13th.
According to court documents, to which the Lusa agency had access, the Public Prosecutor’s Office maintains that the Super Dragões fans intended to “create a climate of intimidation and fear” at the FC Porto AG.
The District Attorney General’s Office of Porto announced that the issues are “crimes of harm to physical integrity in the context of a sporting event or event related to the sporting phenomenon, coercion and aggravated threat, public instigation of a crime, throwing of objects or liquid products and also an attack on freedom of information”.
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Operation Praetorian: MP requests preventive detention for Madureira and “Polaco” | public ministry