Washington – The Biden administration reaffirmed its support for Israel following a deadly operation in the Gaza Strip, where at least 45 people were killed over the weekend. This incident, characterized by a secondary explosion sparking a fire that engulfed a temporary refugee camp near Rafah, drew attention to the challenges of military airstrikes in densely populated areas.

While the Israeli military claimed they were targeting two Hamas militants in the operation, the majority of those killed were women, children, and elderly individuals, according to the Hamas-run Gazan Health Ministry. The Biden administration expressed sorrow for the loss of life but refrained from condemning Israel’s actions, emphasizing the importance of investigations to prevent future tragedies.

The strike in Rafah, which resulted in one of the highest death tolls since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, raised concerns about civilian casualties. Despite a ruling from the top U.N. court ordering Israel to halt its military offensive in Rafah, Israel continued its targeted strikes on Hamas leaders rather than launching a major ground incursion.

The administration paused shipments of certain bombs to Israel due to concerns about their potential use in Rafah, highlighting the delicate balance between supporting Israel and ensuring the protection of civilians. The use of precision-guided munitions in the operation indicated Israel’s efforts to be discreet and targeted, although tragic outcomes necessitated further investigation.

As Israel navigates its military actions in Rafah amid international scrutiny, the Biden administration stressed the importance of Israel’s investigations to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deadly operation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and consequences of military interventions in conflict zones, shedding light on the ongoing challenges in seeking justice and ensuring civilian protection.