Vice President Harris Strongly Condemns Israeli Operation in Rafah - Warns of Potential Consequences

Vice President Kamala Harris has delivered a stern rebuke against the Israeli military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the densely populated region. In an interview with ABC, Harris asserted that any military action in Rafah would be a grave error, citing the dire circumstances facing the 1.5 million residents trapped in the area.

"We were clear that any military action in Rafah would be a big mistake," Harris stated, underscoring the lack of escape routes for civilians. "There is nowhere for these people to go. There are 1.5 million people there who are there because they were told to go there."

Harris also signaled potential repercussions for U.S.-Israel relations, stating, "We will take it step by step," when asked about consequences for the Israeli operation. She declined to rule out any measures, asserting, "I am not ruling anything out."

The vice president's remarks echo the sentiments expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who denounced the planned ground operation in Rafah as a looming humanitarian catastrophe. Guterres visited the Rafah crossing, where he witnessed aid trucks blocked on the Egyptian side of the border, exacerbating conditions of starvation and deprivation among Gaza residents.

Guterres urged Israel to commit to unrestricted access for humanitarian aid throughout Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, along with the release of abductees held by Hamas. He emphasized the UN's continued collaboration with Egypt to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his country's intent to proceed with action in Rafah during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Blinken expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and cautioned Israel against international isolation resulting from the operation.

The White House echoed these concerns, labeling action in Rafah as potentially disastrous and emphasizing the imperative of protecting civilians and facilitating aid delivery. Blinken also discussed normalization talks with Saudi Arabia, contingent upon the resolution of the conflict.

As tensions escalate, diplomatic efforts intensify to avert further escalation and address the urgent humanitarian needs of Gaza's population.