Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has urged the US to intervene and stop Israel's planned offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza, warning of a humanitarian catastrophe if the attack goes ahead. Over a million people, more than half of Gaza's population, have sought refuge in Rafah, living in dire conditions with limited access to food, water, and medicine.
Abbas appealed to US President Joe Biden, saying the US is the only country capable of preventing Israel from committing a crime against the Palestinian people. He warned that even a small strike on Rafah would force Palestinians to flee Gaza, leading to the biggest catastrophe in Palestinian history.
The US has expressed concerns about the planned offensive, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken arriving in Riyadh for talks with Abbas. The White House has reiterated its position that a large-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah is unacceptable without a credible plan to protect civilians.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have gained momentum, with Egypt and Qatar mediating talks on a potential ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages in Gaza. However, divisions within Israel's governing coalition have been exposed, with some members pushing for a deal to return hostages while others insist on continuing the offensive in Rafah.
Hamas has said it will send representatives to Cairo to respond to the latest proposal, which reportedly involves a several-week period of calm in exchange for the release of 20 hostages. However, Hamas is seeking a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from Gaza, while Israel insists on destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages.
The current war began when Hamas attacked Israeli communities near Gaza, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Some 133 hostages are believed still to be in Gaza, with 30 thought to be dead. The Israeli military has since launched a campaign of aerial bombardment and ground operations, killing 34,454 people, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Palestinians displaced to southern Gaza have been unable to return to their homes in northern Gaza, a key demand in ceasefire talks. Israel has given no indication of when they will be allowed to return, and deadly Israeli bombardment has continued across Gaza, including in Rafah.
The situation in Rafah is dire, with displaced people living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to basic necessities. The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and a negotiated solution to the conflict. The US, in particular, has a critical role to play in preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah and promoting a lasting peace in Gaza.
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