News Analysis India

Tag: Hamas

  • Israel-Gaza War: Biden Warns Netanyahu Of Losing US Support If Rafah Is Invaded, Says ‘No More Weapons…’ | world news

    In a first since its war in Gaza, US President Joe Biden publicly warned Israel on Wednesday that if Israeli forces launched a significant assault of Rafah, a city packed with refugees in southern Gaza, the US would stop providing it with weapons. In an interview with CNN, Biden stated, “I made it clear that if they go into Rafah…, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah, to deal with the cities – that deal with that problem.”

    In an attempt to prevent an Israeli attack on Rafah, Biden used his strongest language in public to date in his remarks, which also highlighted the widening divide between the United States and its most powerful Middle Eastern ally. Biden acknowledged that US bombs provided to Israel have killed Gaza civilians in the seven-month-old offensive aimed at annihilating Hamas.

    Biden’s comments, his starkest to date, increase the pressure on Israel to refrain from a full-scale assault on Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge after fleeing combat further north in Gaza.

    There was no immediate comment from Israel on Biden’s remarks, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the Rafah operation would go ahead. Israel says it must hit Rafah to defeat thousands of Hamas fighters it says are there.

    Biden has faced pressure from his Democratic colleagues and growing campus protests to prevent Israel from invading Rafah. His support for Israel has become a political liability as the president seeks re-election.

    The United States is by far Israel’s largest supplier of weapons, and deliveries accelerated following the Hamas attacks on October 7, which triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Biden stated that the United States would continue to provide weapons for Israel’s defense, such as the Iron Dome anti-missile system.

    On Wednesday, US officials confirmed that the delivery of bombs to Israel had been halted due to the risk to civilians in Gaza. Israel, meanwhile, continued tank and aerial strikes on southern Gaza after moving in via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Tuesday, cutting off a vital aid route.

  • US Destroys Three Houthi Missiles In Red Sea; Biden dials Netanyahu world news

    As the Houthi militants continue to attack cargo ships in the Red Sea, the United States forces have also been carrying out retaliatory actions. In a fresh round of attack against the Houthis, the US destroyed three anti-ship missiles in the Red Sea. It was the fourth preemptive action taken by the US military. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also dialed Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

    US Destroys Houthi Missiles

    The US Central Command informed that the attack was carried out at around 6:45 pm (Sanaa time). “As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, US Navy ships are present in the Red Sea. On Jan. 19 at approximately 6:45 pm (Sanaa time), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that were aimed into the Southern Red Sea and were prepared to launch,” the US Central Command posted on X.

    It added that the US forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US Navy ships in the region. “US forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles in self-defense. This action will make international waters safe and secure for US Navy vessels and merchant vessels,” it added.

    US CENTCOM Destroys Three Houthi Terrorists’ Anti-Ship Missiles

    As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, US Navy ships are present in the Red Sea. On Jan. 19 at approximately 6:45 pm (Sanaa time), US Central… pic.twitter.com/vPYUaIvvA5 — US Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 19, 2024

    Before this incident, US forces had conducted airstrikes targeting 14 Houthi missiles that were poised for launch in areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen on Thursday. The Houthi group had previously been reclassified by the US as a “terrorist” organization. The Houthis, aligned with the Palestinian armed group Hamas, initiated their attacks in retaliation to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

    Biden Calls Netanyahu

    Biden called Netanyahu after nearly a month and reiterated his vision of a ‘two-state solution’ while guaranteeing Israel’s security. The US President also addressed the current initiatives to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and assessed the situation in Gaza.

    The White House also issued a statement in this regard saying, “The President and Prime Minister discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. The President and the Prime Minister reviewed the situation in Gaza and the shift to targeted operations.” that will enable the flow of increasing amounts of humanitarian assistance while keeping the military pressure on Hamas and its leaders.”

    President Biden also emphasized Israel’s responsibility to reduce civilian harm and protect the innocent. “The President discussed Israel’s responsibility even as it maintains military pressure on Hamas and its leaders to reduce civilian harm and protect the innocent. The President also discussed his vision for a more durable peace and security for Israel fully integrated within the region and a two- state solution with Israel’s security guaranteed,” the statement added.