Israeli Officials to Meet After Biden's Threat to Cut Military Aid Israeli war and security cabinets are set to meet on Thursday evening...

Israeli Officials to Meet After Biden's Threat to Cut Military Aid

Israeli war and security cabinets are set to meet on Thursday evening after U.S. President Joe Biden threatened to cut off some U.S. military aid if Israel carries out a major ground attack in the city of Rafah in Gaza, according to Israeli officials. The threat came after Biden said that the U.S. would not support a full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah. Israeli officials are expected to discuss the potential impact of Biden's warning, as well as assess their military plans and current munitions stockpiles.

Israeli officials seem undeterred by Biden's threat, with some expressing anger and defiance, believing that the U.S. is abandoning them during a critical moment in the war against Hamas. The threat has not yet altered Israel's military plans, as they continue to target Hamas strongholds.

This escalation in Rafah has resulted in the displacement of at least 80,000 Palestinians, according to the UN's agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA). The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has also spoken out against Israel's potential ground invasion of Rafah, calling it "intolerable." He reiterated calls for a ceasefire and for Hamas to release hostages.

Israeli Defense Minister Stands Firm Despite Biden's Warning

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted on Thursday that Israeli forces would not be subdued in their efforts to defeat Hamas, despite Biden's warning. Gallant's comments came after Biden said that the U.S. would halt some shipments of military aid if Israel were to launch a full-scale attack on Rafah.

Gallant stated that Israel would do "whatever is necessary" to defend its citizens and hit back at those who threaten the country. His remarks were made at a memorial ceremony and reflected Israel's resolve to achieve its military objectives in the ongoing conflict.

CIA Director Wraps Up Middle East Meetings

CIA Director Bill Burns is heading back to the U.S. after spending the past week in the Middle East, working on a ceasefire deal in Gaza. American officials had been optimistic about reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal, but significant differences remain.

Burns had meetings in Cairo, where various mediating countries, as well as representatives from Israel and Hamas, were involved in negotiations. He also traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea, and to Doha in Qatar to discuss the ceasefire efforts.

 Devastation in Rafah After Night of Shelling

Rafah, in the southern part of Gaza, saw heavy Israeli artillery shelling on Wednesday night, leading to the death of several people, including a child. A local journalist working for CNN reported that the bodies were brought to the Kuwait Specialized Hospital, with family members mourning their loved ones. Medical personnel at the hospital warned that they were struggling to cope with the increasing number of casualties.

Social media videos showed deserted streets in some neighborhoods of Rafah, underscoring the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict and the large-scale displacement of residents.