Israel ordered to immediately halt Rafah offensive by top U.N. court
NBCMay 21
White House Says Israeli Rafah Strike Did Not Cross 'Red Line'
Above: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre (L) and White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby speak to reporters during the daily news conference at the White House on May 28, 2024 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
White House spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday that the deadly Israeli strike on Rafah over the weekend did not violate any red line that would force the US to change its policy.
He referred to the airstrike that killed at least 45 people and injured hundreds more as a "horrible loss of life" that highlights the risk of civilian casualties in densely populated areas of Gaza.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has gotten out of hand. Netanyahu must keep his promises and work with US allies to find a resolution to this conflict.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel carried out a legitimate strike against terror targets in Rafah, as Hamas operatives have continued to hide among the civilian population. Unfortunately, an accidental fire was sparked by Israeli strikes harming civilians. Israel will investigate this incident thoroughly.
Pro-Palestine narrative
The Biden administration has been complicit in the Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza. Even if claims that Hamas officials were present in the area are true, knowingly burning women and children alive evidently crosses any red lines. This war has gone on for far too long, and Israel must be held accountable for its brutal crimes.