Heavy shelling is reported in the city, as Joe Biden says the US won't supply weapons and artillery shells for a major offensive.

  • Heavy shelling is reported in Rafah, in the southern Gaza strip, as US President Joe Biden warns Israel against a major offensive there

  • Biden says if Israeli troops enter the densely-packed city “we’re not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells”

  • Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, calls it a “very disappointing statement”

  • In Rafah, Scott Anderson, from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, tells the BBC fighting is moving towards the centre of the city

  • Biden’s remarks came after the US confirmed it had already delayed a shipment of bombs to Israel, over fears of what could happen in Rafah

  • But US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US would continue “to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself”

  • Bassman27@lemmy.world
    195·
    6 months ago

    US: “don’t drop bombs or we will stop giving you bombs. Also here’s some extra bombs just in case”

    • retrospectology@lemmy.world
      64·
      6 months ago

      “Oh, Ok, I see you’re dropping the bombs, that’s fine, just don’t send any soldiers on foot, here are some guns, bullets and tank shells…whats that? Ok yeah, here’s some Zyklon-B you just have to promise not to use it on Palestinians.”

    • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
      2·
      6 months ago

      The US is currently only supplying Iron Dome defense. No bombs have shipped since Israel announced the Rafah attack plans.