No ‘red lines’ from Biden for Israel invasion of Gaza
Joe Biden’s administration may well find itself in the firing line of international opprobrium and even om the wrong side of international law as it has given the green light to Israel’s assault on Gaza, suspending any humanitarian mission.
The White House on Friday October 27th said it would not be drawing any “red lines” for Israel, even as its military intensified ground operations on Gaza and ordered more civilians in the north to leave their homes and flee to the south.
Late in the evening of the same day, an operation got underway killing thousands of Palestinians, with claims by Israel of destroying some 150 Hamas tunnels. At the time of going to press, it was unclear whether a ground invasion by tanks and infantry had begun or that Israel’s campaign was only from airstrikes and artillery. Reports contradict one another, with some even claiming that some tanks had been captured or destroyed by Hamas fighters.
“We’re not drawing red lines for Israel,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on a call. “We continue to support their security needs, that will continue.”
He said the administration of President Joe Biden supported humanitarian pauses to allow the entry of critical aid, but that it would also continue to support Israel’s military needs which is clearly the main focus for the White House.
Israel has been bombarding the Gaza Strip since October 7, when Hamas gunmen launched an attack on the southern part of the country, killing about 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
It has also been preparing for a massive ground invasion of Gaza, aimed at destroying Hamas.
More than 7,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to local tallies, and an intense humanitarian crisis is continuing, after Israel blocked the entry of water, food, medicine and fuel.
Mr Kirby said efforts were continuing to ensure safe passage for civilians, including American citizens, out of Gaza although many are sceptical about such statements being insincere.
“We would support humanitarian pauses for stuff getting in, as well as for people getting out, and that includes pushing for fuel to get in and for the restoration of electrical power,” Mr Kirby said.
