The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused widespread devastation and loss of life in the Gaza Strip, with both sides escalating their military action in recent weeks.
In response, the Biden administration has reportedly drafted a resolution to be presented to the U.N. Security Council, calling for a temporary cease-fire and urging Israel not to launch a major ground offensive into the city of Rafah.
Many have criticized the proposed resolution, arguing that it essentially supports Hamas and their continued aggression against Israel. Former National Security Council official Richard Goldberg described it as a “complete betrayal of U.S. interests and values,” and expressed concern that it would allow Hamas to regroup and continue their attacks on innocent civilians.
The Israeli government has also opposed the U.S.’s attempts to block their planned seizure of Rafah, which they believe to be a key location for Hamas militants and hostages. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that, in their pursuit of a lasting peace, it is crucial that they capture Rafah and dismantle Hamas’ strongholds in the area.
Some have questioned why the Biden administration is pressuring Israel to refrain from entering Rafah, while not exerting similar pressure on Egypt to fulfill their responsibility to secure and monitor their own border.
Middle East expert Yigal Carmon pointed out that the crossing at Rafah was previously used for smuggling weaponry into Gaza, and that its capture would significantly limit the capabilities of Hamas.
There have been various theories as to why the U.S. seems to be taking a more aggressive stance against Israel in this conflict. Some argue that it may be an attempt to win over the American-Muslim vote in critical swing states, such as Dearborn, Michigan. Others believe that the Biden administration is using the pretext of political necessity to push for policies that have not previously been enacted.
Regardless of the U.S.’s motivations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that their primary goal is to secure the release of their hostages through a combination of tough military action and intense negotiations.
He also called on the international community to pressure Qatar, in particular, to use their influence over Hamas to bring about a resolution to the conflict.
In the meantime, a separate resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, sponsored by Algeria on behalf of the Arab group, is expected to be voted on in the Security Council tomorrow. The U.S. has indicated that it would veto this resolution, as it does not believe that it effectively addresses the complexities of the situation.
