US says Rafah red line not breached despite domestic and global outrage

The Biden administration on Tuesday denied that Israel violated its red line against launching a full-scale assault on Rafah, even as Israeli tanks were reported rolling into the centre of the besieged southern Gaza border town.

“This so far is a different type of military operation,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, distinguishing between Israel’s offensive on Rafah and earlier assaults on major cities like Khan Younis and Gaza City.

“We will continue to emphasise to Israel their obligation to comply fully with international humanitarian law, minimise the impact of their operations on civilians, and maximise the flow of humanitarian assistance to those in need,” Miller said.

Tuesday’s State Department briefing comes as Israel grows increasingly isolated on the world stage, with the International Court of Justice on Friday ordering Israel to immediately halt its offensive in Rafah.

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