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'Israel' threatens to halt negotiations after US blocked arms delivery

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
9 May 2024 00:21
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Sources told Axios that Israeli officials expressed deep frustration, not only over the decision to halt the weapons shipment, but also over its disclosure to the media.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike east of Rafah, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 6, 2024 (AP)

Israeli officials warned that the pause in the weapons shipment could jeopardize ongoing captive negotiations, sources informed Axios on Wednesday.

This information comes after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the US has decided to hold up a delivery of weapons and munitions to "Israel" after the latter carried out an offensive on Rafah without Washington's approval.

In response to the decision to pause the weapons shipment, Israeli officials were reportedly sent scrambling to seek an explanation from their American counterparts.

According to the Axios report, Israeli officials expressed deep frustration not only over the decision to halt the weapons shipment but also over its disclosure to the media.

Israeli officials also raised concerns about the timing of the move potentially jeopardizing efforts to secure a deal for the release of captives and a temporary ceasefire amid negotiations in Cairo.

They further conveyed their expectation for the US to continue standing with "Israel" in its war on Gaza and reiterated their concerns that US pressure on "Israel" could hinder progress in negotiations, as per the report.

On Monday, the Israeli war cabinet unanimously decided to proceed with the invasion of Rafah, just a few hours after Hamas informed mediators that it had agreed to a proposed ceasefire agreement.

This decision came despite Washington's warnings that it would be compelled to halt military assistance to the Israeli regime if it were to invade the city of Rafah without providing an adequate plan to protect Gaza's civilians.

"Israel's" decision to go ahead with the invasion sparked worldwide outrage, as the city is considered by many international humanitarian organizations as a crucial refuge for internally displaced persons.

Since the commencement of the aggression, the area east of Rafah has witnessed heavy artillery shelling and intense gunfire from helicopters, while Israeli warplanes have fired phosphorus bombs, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported.

In light of these atrocities, the White House said on Wednesday that talks regarding a potential exchange deal between Hamas and "Israel" are still ongoing and that "a close assessment of the two sides’ position suggests they should be able to close the gap."

While en route to Wisconsin, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured reporters aboard Air Force One that President Joe Biden maintains confidence in his team assisting with the negotiations.

It is worth noting that US arms and bombs have been used during the last seven months to kill more than 34,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children.