White House faces tough questions after Rafah strike

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House is not laying out any new consequences for Israel following a deadly Israeli airstrike near a Rafah refugee camp Sunday.

Tuesday, White House spokesperson John Kirby said the Biden administration is actively engaged with Israeli Defense Forces and partners on the ground to learn more about what happened.

Israeli officials insist the strike was targeted and eliminated two Hamas senior officials, however, the fire that erupted from the blast killed more 40 civilians, including eight children.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the strike a “tragic mishap” and is promising a thorough investigation.

“Israel must do more to protect innocent life,” said Kirby.

Asked by reporters if the strike violated the president’s red line, Kirby said the president has been clear he does not want to see a major ground operation in Rafah, adding “so far, that has not happened.”

A preliminary investigation by the Israeli government suggests the fire that erupted at the camp was because Hamas stored ammunition nearby.

Both the White House and State Department echoed that claim Tuesday. The Biden administration says it is awaiting answers from Israel’s investigation.

“It’s not clear how it was ignited especially as I said it’s over a kilometer and half from the location of the strike, we need to find out how that happened,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

In the meantime, many international groups are uninterested in Israel’s explanation. Tuesday, the World Health Organization repeated its call for an immediate ceasefire citing a growing humanitarian and hunger crisis throughout Gaza.

“After the horrific incident – not a mishap, a horrific event …. W.H.O. deplores the attack on displaced people who were sheltering in tents in Rafah,” said Dr Margaret Harris, WHO spokesperson.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is promising to press ahead to defeat Hamas and is ramping up attacks in Rafah.

As deadly strikes intensify, dozens of Palestinian civilians are scrambling to try and escape.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.