United States: The Biden administration halted a shipment of US-made ammunition to Israel, as reported by Axios. The reason behind this decision remains undisclosed. However, officials clarified that the pause isn’t linked to any specific Israeli operation in Rafah and won’t affect future shipments.
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson from the National Security Council highlighted the ongoing provision of security assistance to Israel. Emphasizing the significant support provided, the spokesperson underscored the US commitment to ensuring Israel’s defense against various threats.
Despite the ammunition pause, US officials reiterated that there’s no shift in policy towards Israel. President Biden recently signed a foreign aid bill allocating USD 26 billion, including substantial aid for addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Concerns persist regarding a potential Israeli operation in Rafah, where many Palestinians seek shelter. Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage resolution in the Israel-Hamas conflict are underway, with intensive talks involving multiple parties.
Israel and Hamas continue to engage in discussions over a ceasefire, with recent negotiations in Cairo showing some promise. However, disagreements persist, particularly regarding withdrawal demands and blame attribution.
CIA Director Bill Burns, who was involved in ceasefire negotiations, extended his stay in Doha and met with Qatari officials. The fluid nature of the negotiations underscores uncertainties, with efforts focused on pressuring Hamas to accept proposed terms while averting Israeli military action.
Despite potential progress, Israel maintains readiness for action in Rafah to counter the threat from Hamas, indicating complexities in reaching a lasting resolution.