In a recent development, Israeli tanks have entered Rafah, leading to concerns about the safety of the refugees and residents sheltering in the area. The Biden administration has publicly expressed its opposition to a sustained military assault on Rafah, citing the potential threat it poses to the over one million people seeking sanctuary there from the violence in northern Gaza. However, Israeli officials have disregarded these warnings and proceeded with the attack.

US officials, while expressing hope that this operation is not the start of a prolonged assault, have not provided any evidence from Israeli commanders to support their view. John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, stated in a press conference, "What we've been told by our Israeli counterparts is that this operation last night was limited and designed to cut off Hamas' ability to smuggle weapons and funds into Gaza." Kirby's comments came after admonishing a reporter for prematurely discussing the scope of the attack.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, during his visit to parts of Rafah, emphasized that the operation would continue until Hamas is eliminated from the Rafah area and the entire Gaza Strip or until the return of hostages. Gallant's statement dampens the optimistic assurances provided by US officials.

The US State Department, represented by spokesman Matthew Miller, reiterated that they did not believe a full-scale assault on Rafah was underway. Miller confirmed, however, that the Israeli assault aimed to dismantle Hamas's control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, which currently serves as a crucial passage for humanitarian aid, including food, to Gaza. Miller emphasized that Israel's occupation of the Rafah border crossing was aimed at preventing Hamas from gaining control over it.

In an intriguing development, one of Israel's major newspapers reported that the ultimate objective of the Rafah operation is to have an American security firm take charge of the Gaza side of the crossing. Such a move would deepen US involvement in the conflict while possibly relieving the Biden administration of direct responsibility. When questioned about this, both Kirby and Miller denied knowledge of these reported plans.

Additionally, the death toll in Gaza is estimated to be nearing 40,000, and reports from within the territory have become increasingly scarce. A Politico report also mentioned the indefinite delay of a report investigating allegations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza, which the administration was supposed to present to Congress.

The situation in Rafah remains uncertain, with conflicting accounts from US officials and Israeli actions on the ground. As the military operation unfolds, the primary concern is the safety and well-being of the refugees and residents who have sought shelter in Rafah. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.