Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) reiterated his backing for Israel after they took control of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing, which is currently housing over 1 million civilians during the ongoing war.
When asked on Fox News if he supports Israel entering Rafah, Fetterman responded, "I support Israel on that. They have better knowledge of the situation than I do."
Fetterman emphasized that Hamas initiated the conflict and suggested that it could end if they release the hostages and surrender, pointing out their disregard for Palestinian casualties and suffering.
His comments came shortly after Israel commenced rolling military tanks into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Furthermore, the Biden administration and other Western leaders attempted to dissuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from a full-scale invasion in recent weeks, expressing concerns about civilian lives and the delivery of vital aid. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring Israel’s actions in Rafah, clarifying that they did not constitute a full-scale military operation as previously cautioned by U.S. officials.
Netanyahu maintained that military operations in Rafah will increase pressure on Hamas, the ruling power in the Gaza Strip since 2007.
Fetterman argued that Israel is taking precautions to safeguard civilian lives.
He asserted that Israel is focused on minimizing civilian casualties, whereas Hamas views them as collateral damage.
Fetterman expressed his unrestrained support for Israel in the conflict.
He also asserted that he has no conditions in his support for Israel.
Israel instructed approximately 100,000 residents of eastern Rafah to evacuate on Monday, and UNRWA plans to remain in Rafah despite Israel’s incursion.
Fetterman, a first-term senator, has been a consistent advocate for Israel's actions since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, often diverging from liberal Democrats' viewpoints on Israel's conduct in the war.
He has strongly criticized the ongoing pro-Palestinian college demonstrations across the country, accusing them of undermining peace in the Middle East. He also referred to them as “pup tents” for Hamas in another interview. Fetterman suggested that the protesters lack a comprehensive understanding of their cause. In a conversation with Fox News, he highlighted the shift in focus from cease-fires to divestment and harming Israel. He voiced his belief that these actions work against peace.
He also mentioned that Hamas perceives these protests as a victory in the public relations battle, which hinders the peace process.
He added that these demonstrations are unhelpful in promoting peace.
He emphasized that these protests serve to undermine peace efforts.
The U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, has spent weeks laboring on a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that would result in the freeing of Israeli hostages. On Monday, Hamas stated that it agreed to a temporary cease-fire, but Israel rejected the group’s terms as insufficient.
The White House on Tuesday urged for the completion of the agreement, despite Israel’s takeover of the Rafah border crossing.
