Israel Set To Stand Alone As US Withdraws Arms Supply Over Rafah Attack

Relations between the United States and Israel hit a low on Friday, May 10, 2024, after Israel started a full-scale invasion of Rafah despite warnings from Washington that such a move would lead to the cessation of military aid to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed to attack Rafah in Gaza and said that Israel is ready to “stand alone” if the US ceases to supply ammunition used for the war, which has lasted for over seven months.

Related: Netanyahu Vows To “Hurt” Whoever Hurts Israel

Netanyahu said that Israel will “fight with our fingernails” if need be as they continue advancing into the crowded city.

He also reminded the world of the war in 1948, which saw the newly formed Israel defeat the coalition of some Arabian states.

“In the War of Independence 76 years ago, we were the few against the many,” Netanyahu said.

“We did not have weapons. There was an arms embargo on Israel, but with great strength of spirit, heroism, and unity among us, we were victorious.”

A report from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) revealed that at least 110,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah over fears of the consequences of an Israeli attack.

Israeli forces have advanced into the eastern part of Rafah and have conducted air raids.

“People are petrified. People have been fearing this for a long, long time, and it is now upon us,” UNRWA’s director of planning, Same Rose, said. ”

“There is constant bombardment. There is smoke on the horizon. There are people on the move.”

Palestinian media said that there was an Israeli air strike in al-jneineh, a neighborhood in Gaza that claimed two lives on Thursday.

It was also said that at least three people were killed in an air strike conducted in the nearby Brazil area.

Washington’s next move is the focus of attention as fears that Israel will carry out deadly strikes loom after a ceasefire deal in Egypt with Hamas failed.