Recent reports reveal that the Israeli airstrike in Rafah, which resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, utilized munitions manufactured in the United States. The White House has been approached for a response, but as of now, they have not provided any official comments. The Pentagon, however, stated that they are unaware of the specific munitions used and directed inquiries to Israeli authorities.
An analysis of video footage from the scene identified the tail of a GBU-39 small diameter bomb, a weapon known for its precision targeting capabilities. Despite its intended strategic use, the airstrike resulted in significant collateral damage, leading to the loss of many innocent lives.
While the White House reiterated that Israel has not crossed any red lines, President Biden had previously warned of withholding offensive weapons if such boundaries were breached. The administration emphasized that there has been no indication of a major ground operation in Rafah, which was a key concern.
When questioned about the possibility of a US-led assessment of the incident, the National Security Council spokesperson highlighted that it is Israel's responsibility to investigate the matter due to their direct involvement in the operation. US officials confirmed that President Biden is receiving regular updates on the situation but has refrained from making public statements at this time.
The ongoing developments surrounding the use of US-made munitions in the Rafah airstrike continue to raise concerns and prompt calls for accountability from various quarters.
