After initially saying they are opposed to Israel’s continued offensive in Rafah, the United States and the United Kingdom now seem to have changed their stance.
The two world powers have said they will oppose the International Court of Justice’s order asking Israel to quit its military operation in Rafah immediately.
Initially, the US and the UK had said they would not back Israel on its plan to launch a major ground military offensive in Rafah unless there was an effective plan to shield civilians and prevent casualties.
But over time, Israel seems to have convinced its two main allies to change their definition of what constitutes a major military operation.
Last week, the UK deputy for foreign affairs, Andrew Mitchell told the country’s parliament that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government would only support a military campaign in Rafah if it meets all the international humanitarian laws.
Later that week, the deputy foreign secretary informed the House Business Committee that the significant military operation had not yet begun.
Despite his claims, an estimated 800,000 people have already vacated the area. This number includes some 400,000 Palestinians that the Israeli armed forces had warned to vacate.
Asked about the huge number of people who have already escaped the Israeli offensive in Rafah, Mitchell said that the UK government was trying to help them with aid.
Pressed on whether Israel had broken any International Humanitarian Laws in the offensive, he claimed that the fact 800,000 people have chosen to leave would mean that the UK and the US would not change their assessment of the situation on the ground.
Referencing the ruling made by the ICJ, Labor MP Andy McDonald asked the Deputy Secretary what choice the fleeing Palestinians were making to abandon their home and whether they fled out of their own free will.
Tents Housing Palestinian Refugees
To this, the government official quipped that the citizens of Rafah left their homes as a “result of the circumstances.”
Queried on whether he believes Israel has the intent to faithfully follow international humanitarian laws, Mitchell said that what he believes does not matter. He added that what is important is the legal process behind the situation.
Jake Sullivan, the United States national security adviser, took a different approach to explain the changed stance on Israel’s offensive against Palestinians. Briefing the press on Wednesday, the US official said that Israeli officials had briefed him on refinements on the Rafah offensive.
Sullivan said that the improved plan would help Israel achieve its objectives while trying to avoid civilian casualties.
The White House official added that there was no foolproof formula to decide which plan for an offensive was more acceptable.
He also refused to comment on the living conditions the fleeing Palestinians are currently having to endure.
David Cameron, the UK Foreign Secretary said that while he has seen some progress in humanitarian relief efforts, he is putting pressure on Israel to improve the situation of the Palestinian refugees.
Israel claims that the offensive in Rafah will annihilate the remaining Hamas fighting units. According to Israeli officials, only four remain since their war in Gaza started.
