A full-scale ground invasion of Rafah could turn into a “bloodbath” according to the World Health Organization.

Hi,

Israel warned Palestinians to flee southern Gaza this morning after a night of intense bombing in preparation for a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, the tiny enclave at the southern tip of Gaza where more than 1.2 million displaced people have huddled for safety.1

The World Health Organization warns that a full-scale assault of Rafah would be a "bloodbath" for civilians and aid workers who have nowhere else to go, and Israel's evacuation order is creating a "truly unspeakable humanitarian catastrophe" given the lack of safe spaces and humanitarian aid elsewhere in Gaza.2,3

This is exactly what President Biden has urged Prime Minister Netanyahu not to do — even calling it a "red line."4

Now it's time for President Biden to use his leverage to stop this disaster. Two weeks ago, Congress authorized $17.5 billion in new military aid to Israel. But President Biden has the authority to withhold offensive weapons in order to force Netanyahu to call off the attack — and 57 House Democrats just demanded that he do just that.5

We've mobilized tens of thousands of people to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and now we must ramp up the volume to prevent further devastation.

Will you donate $10 to support our work, including urging President Biden use his leverage to prevent a ground invasion of Rafah and demand a ceasefire?

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Rafah was once declared a "safe zone" for those fleeing Israel's initial assault in response to the October 7 attack.

But now, with more than 34,000 dead, famine breaking out, and the entire health care infrastructure in shambles, a ground invasion of Rafah would unleash what the U.N. head of humanitarian affairs called "a tragedy beyond words."6

Unfortunately, the U.S. news media has largely abandoned coverage of Gaza, distracted by campus protests and Donald Trump's trial.

It's critical at this moment to refocus public attention on the unbelievable human suffering in Gaza and push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

Make no mistake: President Biden has leverage to demand Prime Minister Netanyahu call off his plans for a full-scale ground invasion by withholding the billions in military aid authorized by Congress. It's up to us to make sure he knows the public wants peace.

Donate $10 to support our work, including urging President Biden use his leverage to prevent a ground invasion of Rafah and demand a ceasefire.

With gratitude for all that you do,

The team at Demand Progress Action

Sources:
1. CNN, "Israel tells Gazans in parts of eastern Rafah to evacuate," May 3, 2024.
2. World Health Organization, "Rafah incursion would substantially increase mortality and morbidity and further weaken an already broken health system," May 3, 2024.
3. Al Jazeera, "'A truly unspeakable humanitarian catastrophe,'" March 6, 2024.
4. Politico, "Biden warns of ‘red line’ for Israel over Rafah," March 10, 2024.
5. Reuters, "US Democrats press Biden to prevent Israeli assault on Rafah," May 1, 2024.
6. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, "UN relief chief: A ground operation in Rafah will be nothing short of a tragedy beyond words," April 30, 2024.

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