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Heavy shelling is reported in Rafah, in the southern Gaza strip, as US President Joe Biden warns Israel against a major offensive there
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Biden says if Israeli troops enter the densely-packed city “we’re not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells”
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Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, calls it a “very disappointing statement”
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In Rafah, Scott Anderson, from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, tells the BBC fighting is moving towards the centre of the city
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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
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But US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US would continue “to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself”
US: “don’t drop bombs or we will stop giving you bombs. Also here’s some extra bombs just in case”
“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.”
The US is currently only supplying Iron Dome defense. No bombs have shipped since Israel announced the Rafah attack plans.