Vice President Kamala Harris suggested in a new interview that there could be "consequences" for Israel if it proceeds with a planned invasion of the city of Rafah in Gaza to pursue Hamas fighters.
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The warning from Harris comes amid escalating tensions after Hamas' October 7 terror attack sparked an ongoing war in the region. According to the United Nations, many Palestinians have fled to Rafah from elsewhere in Gaza, swelling the city's population to an estimated 1.4 million people.
"We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake," Harris told ABC News. "Let me tell you something: I have studied the maps. There's nowhere for those folks to go."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced earlier this month that he had approved plans to invade Rafah, prompting President Joe Biden to convey "deep concerns" about the safety of civilians sheltering there. Tens of thousands have already died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Netanyahu has insisted an invasion is necessary to dismantle Hamas after their attack, saying civilians can be moved to "humanitarian islands." However, the US, a major military supporter of Israel, has sharply criticized the possibility of a large-scale incursion into the densely populated city.
When pressed if there would be "consequences" from the US if Israel proceeds with the Rafah invasion despite opposition, Harris said bluntly: "I am ruling out nothing."
"We've been very clear in terms of our perspective on whether or not that should happen," she added. Harris also addressed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's call for new elections in Israel, which Netanyahu denounced as "inappropriate" meddling. While not speaking for Schumer, Harris said, "We are very clear that that is on the Israeli people to make a decision about when they will have an election and who, of course, they elect to lead their government."
On whether Netanyahu is "an obstacle to peace" as Schumer stated, Harris did not directly answer but said: "We've been very clear that far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. We have been very clear that Israel and the Israeli people and Palestinians are entitled to an equal amount of security and dignity."
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