A diplomatic cable sent Monday from the U.S. Embassy in Israel today offers an unusually candid assessment of the humanitarian situation in Rafah, a southern city in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
The cable, written by officials with the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance at the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, warns about the potential effects of an all-out Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, where about 1.5 million Palestinians, driven south by Israeli evacuation orders, are sheltering from Israel’s war on Gaza.
The Key Points in the cable highlight the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that could arise from an offensive in Rafah. An escalation of military operations within Southern Gaza’s Rafah Governorate could lead to mass civilian casualties, extensive population displacement, and the collapse of the existing humanitarian response. The impact of hostilities has already stretched Gaza’s health system beyond its limit, leaving people without essential supplies like food, medicine, shelter, and water.
The cable also emphasizes that Rafah is already in a state of crisis, with escalating panic and breakdown of social order due to aerial bombardment. The dire state of Gaza’s health system is a significant concern, as it is already overwhelmed by the ongoing conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order for evacuation plans for Rafah highlights the lack of viable evacuation options for the 1.5 million residents in the area. The swelling population in Rafah due to displaced Palestinians from other parts of Gaza has created a dire situation where civilians have nowhere to go.
The potential military operation in Rafah poses a threat to humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip. With only two operational border crossings in Gaza, both located in Rafah, a ground offensive could halt all humanitarian assistance to the region. The restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Rafah and relief actors reaching other areas of the enclave would exacerbate the already critical situation.
The ongoing Israeli bombardment in Rafah has raised concerns about the impact of airstrikes on civilians and infrastructure. The Biden administration has expressed opposition to a full-scale offensive in Rafah and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation of violence.
The cable quotes aid partners on the ground in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by relief workers and the sense of hopelessness among those affected by the conflict. The difficult and dangerous conditions for transit out of Rafah have added to the despair felt by many residents.
In conclusion, the leaked U.S. cable sheds light on the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Rafah and prevent further escalation of violence in Gaza. The international community must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. The situation in Rafah serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war on innocent lives and underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts to bring about peace and stability in the region.