Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated that the United States may consider “consequences” should Israel proceed with its plans to expand military operations into the city of Rafah, amid the ongoing war with Hamas. In an interview with ABC News, Harris underscored the Biden administration’s opposition to an invasion of Rafah, labeling any significant military action in the area as a grave error.
“We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way, that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake,” Harris stated, emphasizing the lack of evacuation options for the city’s residents. “Let me tell you something, I have studied the maps. There’s nowhere for those folks to go.”
The United Nations has reported that over one million people reside in Rafah, a border city, with the majority having been displaced from other parts of the territory due to the conflict.
“Well, we’re going to take it one step at a time, but we’ve been very clear in terms of our perspective on whether or not that should happen,” Harris said.
Despite objections from the U.S., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his plans for Rafah, recently affirming the necessity of an attack to defeat Hamas. In the coming week, the Israeli Defense Minister and a separate Israeli delegation are slated to visit Washington to discuss the Gaza war and Rafah plans with top U.S. officials.