The United States has paused a shipment of bombs to Israel due to concerns over a potential major ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to a senior US administration official. The shipment, consisting of 1,800 2,000lb bombs and 1,700 500lb bombs, was halted last week as the US expressed concerns over the humanitarian impact on civilians in Rafah.
The US has been engaging in dialogue with Israel to address the humanitarian needs of civilians in Rafah and to explore alternative strategies for operating against Hamas in the densely populated area. However, these discussions have not fully alleviated US concerns, leading to the pause in the weapons shipment.
The 2,000lb bombs in question are likely Mk-84 or BLU-109 bombs, which can be fitted with precision guidance systems but pose a high risk of collateral damage in urban environments like Gaza. The US is also reviewing other pending weapons transfers, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, but has stressed that these shipments are unrelated to the recent $17 billion military aid package.
The pause in the weapons shipment is seen as a clear message from Washington, which is growing increasingly concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The conflict, which began in October, has resulted in the deaths of over 34,780 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry, and has displaced thousands more.
Efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners continue, with delegations from Israel and Hamas resuming negotiations in Cairo. However, the pause in the weapons shipment highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns surrounding the conflict.
