Congresswomen Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib call on Biden to stop Rafah invasion

The two progressive lawmakers have sent a letter to US President Joe Biden, calling on him to "decisively oppose" an Israeli military invasion of Rafah.

“We ask you to utilize every avenue possible to achieve this end, including ending the use of the US’ veto in the UN Security Council to protect Netanyahu, a partial or full cessation of offensive support to Israel, and an end to any additional transfer of funds, weapons, military equipment, and any other material support,” they said in their letter.

“We must use our full power and leverage to secure the release of all the hostages and others arbitrarily detained, and support a drastic surge in humanitarian aid. This is only achievable with a lasting ceasefire.” 

Earlier this week, Biden made an appearance on the talk show Late Night with Seth Meyers, where he said that Israel had "made a commitment to me" that they have "the ability to evacuate significant portions of Rafah before they go and take out the remainder of Hamas".

The comments appeared to signal US backing of an impending Israeli offensive on Rafah, the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip and where Palestinians have fled to in order to escape Israel's military campaign.