The Biden administration has called on Israel to take all necessary precautions to protect civilians following a military strike in Rafah that killed dozens of Palestinians. While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, the administration emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian casualties. The recent airstrike in Rafah, which killed 45 people, has prompted calls from some Democratic lawmakers to halt military shipments to Israel.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other prominent Democrats have condemned the attack as an “indefensible atrocity” and called on President Biden to suspend military aid to Israel. Representative Rashida Tlaib went further, labeling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “genocidal maniac.” The Biden administration, meanwhile, is actively investigating the incident and engaging with the Israeli military.
With growing disapproval from Democratic voters over Biden’s handling of the conflict, the administration faces mounting pressure to push for a permanent ceasefire. Campus protests and wider demands for peace have put the president’s re-election campaign on the defensive, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution in the Middle East.