Official policy documents and statements from the U.S. government

White House Urges Israel to Protect Civilians, Maintains Military Assistance Amid Rafah Incidents

May 28, 2024, 07:40 PM

White House spokesman John Kirby emphasized that Israel must take every precaution to protect civilians following the incidents in Rafah from Sunday to Tuesday. Despite the heartbreaking images from the strike, Kirby stated that there is nothing in these incidents that would prompt the withdrawal of U.S. military assistance to Israel. The Biden administration is not changing its support for Israel and is awaiting the findings of the Israeli investigation. The U.S. has reached out to the IDF to gather more information and remains highly interested in the outcome of the investigation. Kirby noted that the U.S. has not seen a plan to ensure the safety and security of Rafah civilians and has raised these issues with Israel. Biden has been kept apprised throughout the weekend, and Kirby mentioned that the U.S. has not seen such an offensive yet.