US aids Israel in targeting Hamas leaders to prevent escalation in Rafah invasion

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The Biden administration is sharing intelligence with Israel to help target Hamas leadership and conduct combat operations in an effort to limit the invasion of Rafah, according to The Washington Post.

Israeli officials have been warning of an imminent invasion in the southern city of Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting in Gaza. The exodus of Palestinians from Gaza’s last refuge has accelerated as Israeli forces push deeper into Rafah and continue to pound the territory’s devastated north.

Rafah is considered Hamas’ last stronghold, and hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled the city following evacuation orders from Israel. The White House, State Department, and a number of Democrats have expressed opposition to the invasion plans, citing concerns for civilian casualties.

President Joe Biden has stated that he would cut off specific types of military aid to Israel if a full-scale attack was launched in Rafah. The Biden administration is reportedly sharing intelligence with Israeli counterparts to assist in locating Hamas leadership and the group’s tunnel system throughout Gaza.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar remains in hiding, and negotiations facilitated by the US have taken place through the group’s political office in Qatar. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths in Gaza and Israel since it began seven months ago.

President Biden has grown increasingly frustrated with Israel’s handling of the war against Hamas and has paused a shipment of high-payload weaponry to the ally. The administration faces growing criticism from Democrats over military assistance to Israel, particularly in light of allegations of war crimes committed by Israeli forces.

The situation in Rafah remains tense, with the US and Israel working together to navigate a delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian considerations.

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