Blinken: 'Israel does not have a credible plan to protect civilians in Rafah'

As reactions continue regarding Israel's attacks on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israel does not have a credible plan to protect civilians in the city of Rafah.

Recalling that the U.S. decided to halt a shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel due to concerns that they could be used in Israel's attacks on Rafah, Blinken noted that U.S. President Joe Biden remains committed to helping Israel defend itself and that this shipment is the only one that has been suspended.

Blinken said that Biden has made it clear to Israel that if it launches this major military operation into Rafah, the U.S. will not support it and that there are certain weapons systems the U.S. will not supply. Blinken stated, "We have real concerns about the way these systems are being used. Israel needs to have a clear and credible plan to protect civilians, which we have not yet seen."