Biden to Netanyahu: A Rafah Operation Requires "Credible and Executable" Plan to Ensure Safety of Civilians

President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu today (Sunday) about the war.

According to the official White House readout, the President reaffirmed their desire to see Hamas defeated and the hostages released.

President Biden also stressed the need for specific steps for increasing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilians, and reiterated his view that an IDF ground operation in Rafah should not proceed without a "credible and executable" plan to ensure the safety and well-being of the over one million Palestinians currently residing there, who have fled the other battlefields.

This condition comes amid increasing pressure from the Arab world on Israel to avoid entering Rafah, especially from Egypt, which fears a flood of refugees into its territory.

The Biden administration has also recently required countries receiving military aid from the United States, including Israel and Ukraine, to provide written assurances and explanations showing that they are not violating international law and human rights in using American weapons.

President Biden's request for clear and articulated measures to protect and increase aid to Palestinian civilians is likely related to this decision.