White House effectively backs Israel's 'massacre' in Rafah

White House National Security Communications Advisor Kirby evaluated Israel's recent attack on a tent camp in Rafah and the U.S. administration's response during a daily press briefing.

Kirby stated that the Israeli military's airstrike on a tent camp in Rafah over the weekend killed many civilians, including children, and resulted in "heartbreaking" images.

"The images coming out of Rafah over the weekend following an airstrike by the Israeli military that killed dozens of innocent Palestinians, including children, were devastating. These images are heartbreaking and horrific. There should be no loss of innocent life as a result of this conflict," said Kirby, commenting on the civilian deaths as "very tragic and heartbreaking."

Noting that they have to wait for the results of the investigation launched by Israel regarding the attack in question, Kirby avoided directly condemning the attack carried out by Israel on May 26 despite being asked several times, settling for saying, "We condemn the loss of innocent civilian life."

"DID NOT CROSS THE RED LINE"

Responding to questions about whether U.S. President Joe Biden's previous red line—that "if Israel enters Rafah, we may stop arms aid"—had been crossed, Kirby replied, "Israel's latest airstrike did not cross the U.S. 'red line' of a 'major offensive in densely populated areas.'"

"We still do not believe there is a major ground operation in Rafah. We do not want to see Israel crushing Rafah with large units. We still believe that, and we are not at that point," Kirby said, adding that the Israeli military has not yet shared a credible and implementable plan with them.

Addressing reports that Israeli tanks have surrounded some parts of Rafah, Kirby stated that the tanks in question are encircling the outer perimeters of the city to cut off Hamas's connections, but that they will closely monitor potential future military steps.

The U.S. spokesperson reiterated warnings against Israel launching a major attack on Rafah, saying, "This latest attack clearly demonstrates the difficulties of conducting airstrikes in densely populated areas of Gaza like Rafah."

WHAT HAPPENED?

The UN's judicial organ, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ruled in its provisional measures on May 24 that Israel must immediately halt its attacks on Rafah, not obstruct humanitarian aid, and allow UN officials who will investigate its crimes to enter Gaza.

Israel launched an attack on May 26 on the tents of displaced Palestinians in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, where the ICJ had ordered a halt to attacks, and it was announced that dozens of Palestinians lost their lives in the attack.

Witnesses stated that Israeli warplanes attacked the camp with at least 8 rockets.