Israeli warplanes carried out deadly air strikes on Gaza earlier today, including in the southern city of Rafah, which borders Egypt.
Palestinian health officials say at least eight people were killed in the city, which is now overcrowded with refugees. There are an estimated 1 million Palestinians in or around the city.
Hours ahead of the strikes, President Joe Biden called the Israeli response to the October 7 attack by Hamas “over the top.” The White House says the U.S. will not support any military operation launched in Rafah without due consideration for civilians.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel cannot ignore Hamas battalions inside the city. He’s ordered an evacuation so they can be destroyed.