"Rafah Offensive: Israel's Determination and Biden's Political Risk"

Israel is determined to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost town, as it is seen as the last major stronghold of the militant group in the Gaza Strip. However, there is global alarm due to the potential harm to the hundreds of thousands of civilians sheltering there. Israel's allies, including the U.S., have demanded greater care for civilians in the anticipated incursion, and President Biden has urged Israel not to carry out the operation without a credible plan to evacuate civilians. Despite the tough talk, Israel doesn't appear close to sending troops into Rafah, and there are ongoing attempts to broker a temporary cease-fire.