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Biden: US to deny Israel weapons if Rafah attacked
Reuters Videos28 minutes agoSTORY: U.S. President Joe Biden publicly vowed for the first time on Wednesday to stop giving Israel weapons - if its forces make a full-scale invasion of Rafah, a city packed with refugees fleeing the war elsewhere in Gaza. In an interview with CNN, Biden said: “I made it clear that if they go into Rafah... I’m not supplying the weapons..." He acknowledged in the interview that American bombs provided to Israel have killed civilians in the seven-month-old offensive in Gaza, which came in response to Hamas' attack on October 7. The comments are the president's strongest public language to date, and underscore a growing rift between the U.S. and its closest Middle Eastern ally. The interview was aired hours after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed to the Senate that the U.S. had at least temporarily paused a planned delivery of thousands of heavy bombs. And that Biden made the decision to hold on the weapons over concerns for Rafah. That marks the first such delay since the U.S. administration pledged "ironclad" support to Israel. "We learned that you have to protect civilians in the battlespace, otherwise you create more terrorists going forward." The United States is by far Israel's biggest supplier of weapons, with Congress last month approving $26 billion in extra funding for the country. Biden said the U.S. would continue to provide defensive weapons, including for Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system. But, referring to civilian casualties, he added: "It’s just wrong...We're not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells." The president is under growing pressure at home over American support for Israel, as he runs for re-election this year. There was no immediate comment from Israel on Biden's remarks, but Israeli authorities have insisted Rafah must be hit, saying thousands of Hamas fighters are there. Its forces have continued tank and aerial strikes on southern Gaza, after moving in via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Tuesday, which cut off a vital aid route.
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- 02:07Biden: US to deny Israel weapons if Rafah attackedReuters VideosSTORY: U.S. President Joe Biden publicly vowed for the first time on Wednesday to stop giving Israel weapons - if its forces make a full-scale invasion of Rafah, a city packed with refugees fleeing the war elsewhere in Gaza. In an interview with CNN, Biden said: “I made it clear that if they go into Rafah... I’m not supplying the weapons..." He acknowledged in the interview that American bombs provided to Israel have killed civilians in the seven-month-old offensive in Gaza, which came in response to Hamas' attack on October 7. The comments are the president's strongest public language to date, and underscore a growing rift between the U.S. and its closest Middle Eastern ally. The interview was aired hours after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed to the Senate that the U.S. had at least temporarily paused a planned delivery of thousands of heavy bombs. And that Biden made the decision to hold on the weapons over concerns for Rafah. That marks the first such delay since the U.S. administration pledged "ironclad" support to Israel. "We learned that you have to protect civilians in the battlespace, otherwise you create more terrorists going forward." The United States is by far Israel's biggest supplier of weapons, with Congress last month approving $26 billion in extra funding for the country. Biden said the U.S. would continue to provide defensive weapons, including for Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system. But, referring to civilian casualties, he added: "It’s just wrong...We're not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells." The president is under growing pressure at home over American support for Israel, as he runs for re-election this year. There was no immediate comment from Israel on Biden's remarks, but Israeli authorities have insisted Rafah must be hit, saying thousands of Hamas fighters are there. Its forces have continued tank and aerial strikes on southern Gaza, after moving in via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Tuesday, which cut off a vital aid route.28 minutes ago
- 01:19Israel seizes Gaza’s vital Rafah crossing amid ceasefire talks, AP ExplainsAssociated Press VideosIsraeli forces have seized the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, pressing their offensive into the southern city. The Israeli assault into Rafah came just hours after Hamas accepted a cease-fire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar.8 hours ago
- 02:52US paused Israel weapons shipment over Rafah, Austin saysReuters VideosSTORY: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday told the Senate that Washington had paused a shipment of weapons to Israel over that government's plans to carry an operation in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. "Israel shouldn't launch a major attack into the Rafah without accounting for and protecting the civilians that are in that battlespace." [FLASH] "...as we have assessed the situation, we have paused one shipment of high payload munitions." Austin confirmed reports that the U.S. had at least temporarily halted the planned transfer of some 3,500 powerful 2,000-lb and 500-lb bombs. It marks the first such delay since the Biden administration offered its "ironclad" support to Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. And the pause caught some U.S. lawmakers by surprise. CAPITO: "What is the status of withholding our weaponry that we voted to send to Israel? Are we doing that? Why are we doing that?" That was Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito's question to the Pentagon chief on Wednesday. AUSTIN: "Again, our commitment to Israel is ironclad." [FLASH] "We are currently reviewing some near-term security assistance shipments in the context of the unfolding events in Rafah." That answer wasn't acceptable to Republican Lindsey Graham, who denounced what he called American efforts to tell Israel how to wage war. "You're going to tell them how to fight the war? And what they can and can't use? When everyone around them wants to kill all the Jews?" But others disagreed. MURPHY: "In fact, history tells us that the application of overwhelming military force can in fact grow terrorist threats, not shrink them." Democratic Senator Chris Murphy pointed out that the U.S. has no small experience trying - and failing - to defeat militant groups, and Israel could heed American advice on weapons and tactics. And Austin appeared to agree. "We learned that you have to protect civilians in the battlespace, otherwise you create more terrorists going forward." Washington is Israel's closest ally and main weapons supplier, and that relationship has been challenged by Israel's devastating retaliation that Palestinian health officials say killed 35,000 Gazans. The U.S. had urged Israel to hold off on plans to attack the city of Rafah, where around half of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been crowded after fleeing other parts of the enclave during seven months of war. But Israel has threatened a major assault on the city to defeat thousands of Hamas fighters it says are holed up there. An Israeli military spokesperson on Wednesday played down the arms hold-up, telling a conference that the operational partnership was significant and saying quote, "When there are disputes, and there are, they are being resolved behind closed doors in a matter-of-fact way."11 hours ago
- 03:03Hospital in Rafah stops operating amid Israeli bombsReuters VideosSTORY: These are the empty corridors of Rafah's Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital. It's located in an area of the southern Gazan city that has been designated by the Israeli army as a combat zone as part of its military operations there. Health officials said around 200 patients in that hospital were forced to evacuate to the west of the city after receiving calls warning them to leave. The hospital has had to stop services. Hamas said it was battling Israeli forces in the east of Rafah on Wednesday (May 8). Muhammad Zaqout is a Palestinian doctor. "The situation is: most of them who are critical are dying in the field hospitals, are dying in the Kuwaiti and other field hospitals." Israel has threatened a major assault on Rafah to defeat thousands of Hamas fighters it says are holed up there. Western nations and the United Nations have warned a full-scale attack on the city would be a humanitarian catastrophe since more than a million people are sheltering there. Israel has told civilians in Rafah to go to an "expanded humanitarian zone" in al-Mawasi, some 12 miles away. But Palestinians like Imad Houbi, who lives in east Rafah, said there is no safe place in the Gaza Strip anymore. “There is nowhere safe in Gaza. The shelling exposes their lies about the safe areas. There are no safe areas.” Hundreds of thousands are now on the move again, trying to flee the city. The Israeli military released a video on Wednesday (May 8) that it says shows its operations in Rafah. Reuters was not able to independently verify all locations or the date the video was filmed. This came after a U.S. official said President Joe Biden's administration paused a shipment of weapons to Israel last week in an apparent response to the expected Rafah offensive. It would be the first such delay since the Biden administration offered its "ironclad" support to Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Israeli tallies say about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others were taken hostage. The Gaza health ministry says Israel's subsequent offensive has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians. It said on Wednesday (May 8) that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt was still closed after Israeli tanks pushed into the complex there the day before. It has cut off a vital aid route and the only exit for the evacuation of wounded patients. Israel said it was reopening the other crossing in southern Gaza, Kerem Shalom, through which most aid to Gaza has been delivered recently. In Cairo, ceasefire talks were expected to continue on Wednesday (May 8), according to two Egyptian sources. Israel on Monday declared that a three-phase proposal approved by Hamas was unacceptable because terms had been watered down.15 hours ago
- 04:09Israel and Hamas face international pressure to reach a cease-fire agreementABC News VideosEmergency workers said at least 30 people are dead in Rafah as the Israeli military continues to bomb the southern Gaza town.22 hours ago
- 01:18UC Berkeley students protest Israel ceasefire rebuffReuters VideosSTORY: In Cairo, all five delegations participating in ceasefire talks on Tuesday - Hamas, Israel, the U.S., Egypt and Qatar - reacted positively to the resumption of negotiations, and meetings were expected to continue on Wednesday morning, two Egyptian sources said. Israel on Monday declared that a three-phase proposal approved by Hamas was unacceptable because terms had been softened. Israeli forces on Tuesday seized the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than one million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter during Israel's seven-month-old offensive. This cut off a vital route for aid into the tiny enclave, where hundreds of thousands of people are homeless and hungry.1 day ago
- 00:58Fighting forces evacuation of Gaza's Abu Youssef al-Najjar HospitalAssociated Press VideosFighting between Israel and Hamas forced the evacuation of a hospital in southern Gaza as Israeli troops seized control of the vital Rafah border crossing. Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital, was one of the main medical centres receiving people wounded in airstrikes on Rafah in recent weeks. (AP Video shot by Mariam Daggah) (Produced by Wafaa Shurafa)1 day ago
- 02:20Gaza aid choked off after Israeli forces seize crossingReuters VideosSTORY: Aid trucks were seen lined up on the road in Egypt’s Rafah on Tuesday after Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the main border crossing. The United Nations and other international aid agencies said the closing of the two crossings into southern Gaza – Rafah and Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom – had virtually cut off the already-devastated enclave from outside aid. The seizure of the Rafah crossing, where more than 1 million displaced Palestinian civilians are holed up, came despite weeks of calls from the U.S. and others for Israel to hold off from a big offensive in Rafah. Fedaa Shallah, a displaced Palestinian woman from Gaza City said, “I don’t see that there is any place that is safe. There is bombing, shelling and we’ve had enough.” Doctor Mohammad Abu Skhil works in the emergency department of the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah. "The closure of the Rafah Crossing will contribute further to the demise of the health situation in Gaza Strip, specifically in the city of Rafah because it is through the Rafah crossing that essential medical supplies needed for the healthcare in Gaza come in.” The crossing was also the only exit point for those needing to leave Gaza for medical treatment unavailable inside the enclave. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel and Hamas on Tuesday to spare no effort in arriving at a truce deal. “Make no mistake – a full-scale assault on Rafah would be a human catastrophe. Countless more civilian casualties. Countless more families forced to flee yet again – with nowhere safe to go.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said seizing the crossing was a significant step towards its aim of destroying Hamas' military capabilities. Hamas accused Israel of trying to undermine efforts to secure a ceasefire in the seven-month-long war... which started when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and abducting about 250 others, according to Israeli tallies. Around 35,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israeli strikes since, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Any truce would be the first pause in fighting since a week-long ceasefire in November.1 day ago
- 03:15Biden condemns antisemitism at Holocaust memorialReuters VideosSTORY: JOE BIDEN: "This ancient hatred of Jews didn't begin with the Holocaust. It didn't end with the Holocaust either." U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned that the threat of antisemitism is growing, in remarks honoring the 6 million Jews killed in the Nazi Holocaust eighty years ago. And his keynote address for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's annual commemoration of the genocide came seven months to the day after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 by Israeli tallies. "That hatred was brought to life on October 7, in 2023, on a sacred Jewish holiday, the terrorist group Hamas unleashed the deadliest day of the Jewish people since the Holocaust." The Hamas attack provoked an Israeli retaliation that has so far killed 35,000 residents of the Gaza Strip. And it stirred up dramatic protests on U.S. college campuses by students demanding an end to the Israeli assault. Some Jewish students have said the demonstrations have included harassment and antisemitic instances. That comes against a backdrop in already-rising threats. The FBI reported a 36% increase in anti-Jewish hate crime incidents between 2021 and 2022, the latest year for which data is available, as well as a jump in crimes against Black Americans and gay men. MIKE JOHNSON: “To every Jewish student listening to us, no matter where you are around the country. You have my word. The U.S. House of Representatives will do everything in our power to ensure that you are safe." Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have condemned pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses, painting them as Hamas sympathizers. In some cases, police have forcefully torn down student encampments and arrested hundreds. Those arrested include University of Texas at Austin freshman Arwyn Heilrayn. REPORTER: "What is your reaction to people saying that these demonstrations are reflecting some antisemitism on campuses?" HEILRAYN: “I would reflect back the voices of the Jewish protesters that have been standing side by side with us, that this is not antisemitic, that this is pro-Palestinian.” The police crackdowns prompted criticism that universities were clamping down on political speech. And Biden has tried to walk a careful line as his own Democratic Party has appeared divided over those sympathetic to Palestinians' plight and others who insist on Israel's right to defend itself. "We respect and protect the fundamental right to free speech, to debate and disagree. To protest peacefully, and make our voices heard. I understand, that's America. But there is no place on any campus in America, no place in America, for antisemitism or hate speech, or threats of violence of any kind." Biden sought to reassure Jewish Americans, who overwhelming vote for Democratic candidates, that he would stand with them. "To the Jewish community, I want you to know, I see your fear, your hurt and your pain. Let me reassure you, as your president, you are not alone." Biden also said his commitment to Israel was ironclad even amid disagreements with the country's government.1 day ago
- 01:12Israeli troops enter Rafah hours after Hamas agrees to a Gaza cease-fireAssociated Press VideosIsrael's military says its forces are in “operational control” of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, pressing their offensive into the southern city on Tuesday as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remain precarious.1 day ago
- 01:27Biden delivers speech on antisemitism at Holocaust remembrance ceremonyABC News VideosDuring his speech at the U.S. Capitol, President Joe Biden condemned the recent surge in antisemitism in America and the atrocities committed by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.2 days ago
- 04:59Biden Condemns ‘Ferocious Surge’ of Antisemitism in the U.S.WSJPresident Biden denounced what he called a “ferocious surge” of antisemitism in the U.S., warning that people “are already forgetting that Hamas unleashed this terror” on Israel during the Oct. 7 attacks. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images2 days ago
- 03:57Israeli seizure of Rafah crossing makes Gaza's desperate humanitarian crisis worseCBS News VideosIsraeli forces have seized control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing, a place where some aid had been making its way to civilians. Tanks moved in on the area just hours after Hamas said it accepted the terms of a Qatari-Egyptian proposed cease-fire plan. Israel ultimately rejected the proposal, saying the deal didn't meet its core demands. More from correspondent Imtiaz Tyab.2 days ago
- 01:58Biden condemns the 'ferocious surge of antisemitism in America and around the world'Associated Press VideosPresident Joe Biden condemns a “ferocious surge of antisemitism," during a ceremony to remember victims of the Holocaust at a time when the Hamas attack on Israel and the war in Gaza spark new waves of violence and hateful rhetoric toward Jews.2 days ago
- 01:39Biden condemns antisemitism, says too many are 'forgetting' horrors unleashed on Israel by HamasAssociated Press VideosBiden condemns antisemitism, says too many are 'forgetting' horrors unleashed on Israel by Hamas2 days ago
- 01:04UN chief says a Rafah assault would be a human catastropheReuters VideosSTORY: :: U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns Israel that an assault on Rafah would be a mistake ::May 7, 2024 "Even the best friends of Israel are clear: an assault on Rafah would be a strategic mistake, a political calamity, and a humanitarian nightmare. I appeal to all those with influence over Israel to do everything in their power to help avert even more tragedy." "An agreement between the government of Israel and the leadership of Hamas is essential to stop the unbearable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and of the hostages and their families. It would be tragic if weeks of intense diplomatic activity for peace in Gaza yield no ceasefire, no release of hostages, and a devastating offensive in Rafah. I reiterate my appeal for both parties to show the political courage and spare no effort to secure an agreement now. To stop the bloodshed. To free the hostages. And to help stabilize a region which is still at risk of explosion." Israeli forces seized the main border crossing between Egypt and southern Gaza on Tuesday (May 7), shutting down a vital aid route into the Palestinian enclave that is already on the brink of famine. U.N. and other international aid agencies said the closing of the two crossings into southern Gaza - Rafah and Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom - had virtually cut the enclave off from outside aid and very few stores were available inside.2 days ago
- 02:21UN chief calls on Israel, Hamas to deescalate and agree on ceasefireAssociated Press VideosThe United Nations chief is appealing to Israel and Hamas to show “political courage and spare no effort” to reach a cease-fire agreement now, warning that this is a decisive moment for Palestinians and Israelis “and for the fate of the entire region.”2 days ago
- 00:57Iran and the UN nuclear agency are still discussing how to implement a 2023 deal on inspectionsAssociated Press VideosIran and the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog are still negotiating over how to implement a deal struck last year to expand inspections of the Islamic Republic’s rapidly advancing atomic program, officials said Tuesday. The acknowledgment by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s leader Rafael Mariano Grossi shows the challenges his inspectors face, years after the collapse of Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers and amidst wider tensions gripping the Mideast over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.2 days ago
- 02:11U.N. chief presses for ceasefire agreement in Gaza, warns Israel against military escalation in RafahYahoo News VideoSpeaking to reporters on Tuesday, Secretary-General António Guterres urged Israel and Hamas to "show the political courage and spare no effort" to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and release hostages that were taken on Oct. 7. Guterres also said a large-scale military operation by Israel in Rafah would be a "human catastrophe" and asked those "with influence over Israel to do everything in their power to help avert even more tragedy."2 days ago
- 02:18Israel takes control of Gaza side of Rafah crossingCBS News VideosThe Israeli military has taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing on Egypt's border after the Netanyahu government rejected an Egyptian-Qatari mediated cease-fire proposal that was approved by Hamas, which included the release of hostages.2 days ago
- 03:21Israeli military seizes Rafah border crossingReuters VideosSTORY: This video released on Tuesday (May 7) is believed to be the moment Israeli tanks pushed into a park near the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing. Soldiers were seen raising an Israeli flag. Reuters was unable to independently verify the date of the footage. It came after a night of air strikes on the Palestinian enclave, amid international concern over the plight of civilians crammed into Rafah. And as mediators struggled to secure a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian militant group said late on Monday (May 6) it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal but Israel said the terms did not meet its demands. A Gaza border authority spokesperson told Reuters the Rafah crossing, a vital route for aid into the enclave, is now closed. Aid trucks were seen stuck at the Egypt side of the Rafah crossing. And in a field hospital in Rafah, Dr. Marwan al-Hams said the closure of the crossing will cause further crisis for the enclave's healthcare. "The closure of the Rafah crossing means the death of thousands of patients, thousands of injured will be martyred. Nutritional resources, medical resources and humanitarian aid won't enter Gaza Strip, which means more diseases, more patients needing treatment that isn't available, more patients with chronic diseases, new diseases we won't find medication for and therefore, the numbers of patients will pile up." On Tuesday morning, people searched for bodies under rubble of wrecked buildings in Rafah. More than one million people have sought refuge here, living in tented camps and makeshift shelters. Many are trying to leave, heeding Israeli orders for them to evacuate. But with large areas of the coastal enclave already laid to waste, they say they have nowhere safe to go. The Israeli military said a limited operation in Rafah was meant to kill fighters and dismantle infrastructure used by Hamas. Israel says the vast majority of people had been evacuated from the area of military operations and it has told them to go to what it calls an "expanded humanitarian zone" around 12 miles away. Egypt said the Israeli operation in Rafah threatened the ceasefire efforts. And the European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell said the assault would be deadly. "I am afraid that this is going to cause again a lot of casualties, civilian casualties, whatever they say.// There is no safe zones in Gaza." As ceasefire talks stumbled, mediator Qatar said its delegation would head to Cairo on Tuesday to resume indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. A Palestinian official close to mediation efforts told Reuters a Hamas delegation may arrive in Cairo later on Tuesday or on Wednesday. A senior Israeli official also said on Tuesday that a team of mid-ranking Israeli officials will go to Egypt to assess whether Hamas can be persuaded to shift on its latest ceasefire offer. The official reiterated that the proposal as it stands was unacceptable to Israel.2 days ago
- 02:02Israel claims control of Gaza side of Rafah border while cease-fire talks continueCBS News VideosIsrael claims to have seized control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt as its military appears to push ahead with an offensive in Rafah. Despite the development, mediators are still scrambling to negotiate a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has more.2 days ago
- 01:35Eye Opener: Dozens of tornadoes tear through middle of U.S. and cause mass destructionCBS News VideosMore than a dozen tornadoes carve a path of destruction through the middle of the U.S. Also, Israel dismisses a last-minute cease-fire proposal from Hamas and attacks Rafah, despite calls for restraint. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.2 days ago
- 03:53Israel issues evacuation orders in east RafahABC News VideosABC News foreign correspondent Marcus Moore discusses the latest on the Israel-Hamas war as Israel issues evacuation orders in east Rafah.2 days ago
- 00:52Despite warnings, EU's Borrell fears civilian deaths in RafahReuters VideosSTORY: "The Rafah offensive has started again, in spite all the requests of the international community, the US, the European Union member states, everybody asking (Israeli Prime Minister)Netanyahu not to attack," Josep Borrell told journalists. "I am afraid that this is going to cause again a lot of casualties, civilian casualties, whatever they say", Josep Borrell said, adding: "There are no safe zones in Gaza." Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday (May 6) agreed to a Gaza ceasefire proposal from mediators, but Israel said the terms did not meet its demands and pressed ahead with strikes in Rafah while planning to continue negotiations on a deal.2 days ago