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Heavy shelling is reported in Rafah, in the southern Gaza strip, as US President Joe Biden warns Israel against a major offensive there
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Biden says if Israeli troops enter the densely-packed city “we’re not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells”
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Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, calls it a “very disappointing statement”
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In Rafah, Scott Anderson, from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, tells the BBC fighting is moving towards the centre of the city
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Biden’s remarks came after the US confirmed it had already delayed a shipment of bombs to Israel, over fears of what could happen in Rafah
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But US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US would continue “to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself”
US: “don’t drop bombs or we will stop giving you bombs. Also here’s some extra bombs just in case”
“Oh, Ok, I see you’re dropping the bombs, that’s fine, just don’t send any soldiers on foot, here are some guns, bullets and tank shells…whats that? Ok yeah, here’s some Zyklon-B you just have to promise not to use it on Palestinians.”
