Prothom Alo News
US warns Hamas of 'strategic victory' if Israel strikes Rafah
The United States has warned Israel that an all-out operation in Gaza's Rafah could lead to a strategic victory for Hamas. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday.
"We believe that any major operation in Rafah will actually strengthen Hamas's hand at the negotiating table, not Israel's," Kirby said. ’
John Kirby's comments came a day after U.S. President Joe Biden said he would suspend shipments of military equipment to Israel if it raided Rafah.
Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly is expected to vote on a resolution recommending more "rights and benefits" for the Palestinians. The resolution would call on the Security Council to consider recognizing Palestine as the 194th member of the United Nations.
The United States vetoed such a proposal in April. The resolution also proposed paving the way for Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations. The Palestinians have long sought UN membership, and Israel has taken steps to prevent it. U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood made it clear yesterday that the Biden administration has reservations about the resolution being tabled in the General Assembly.
Ceasefire talks
Egypt said Hamas and Israel must show more flexibility if they want to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and a prisoner swap. Egypt's Foreign Ministry, which has played the role of mediator in the ceasefire talks, said in a statement today. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry echoed similar views.
Early this morning, Hamas said its delegation was on its way from Cairo to Doha for ceasefire talks. The ball is now in Israel's court, they said.
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will stand alone if necessary and fight to the end of its ability. He was responding to US President Joe Biden's warning to stop arms shipments.
.jpg)
.jpg)
