US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed disapproval of Israel's military actions in Gaza, particularly cautioning against a comprehensive attack on Rafah, a city in the southern part of the Palestinian enclave. According to Blinken, such an offensive would not eliminate Hamas but could instead incite further chaos and disorder, creating conditions for a lasting insurgency.

During TV interviews, Blinken highlighted Washington's stance that Israeli forces should withdraw from Gaza, as their current strategies have failed to effectively curb Hamas's influence and could risk perpetuating conflict. The Secretary of State warned of the repercussions of a major assault on Rafah, emphasizing the potential toll on civilians and the likelihood that the threat from Hamas would persist even after such an operation. Additionally, he raised concerns about the possible consequences of leaving a power vacuum in the region.

Blinken underscored that Hamas had reappeared in areas of northern Gaza that Israel had previously claimed to have liberated, indicating the challenges of completely eradicating the militant group through military means. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with Israeli authorities regarding the necessity for a more sustainable and effective approach to addressing the situation in Gaza. The Secretary of State's remarks come amidst escalating tensions in Rafah, where a significant number of Palestinians have been displaced due to Israeli military actions.

Reports have suggested that there have been allegations of Israeli violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, although a formal determination has not been made. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the potential use of American-made weapons by Israel in its military operations in Gaza, prompting calls for greater scrutiny over arms sales to ensure they are not contributing to human rights abuses. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries, fueling international calls for de-escalation and a sustainable resolution to the crisis.