The US could stop the horror in Rafah today. Why won’t it?

Joe Biden has called on Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint — but he is still too wary of alienating voters in an election year, writes Paul Rogers

Neighbours inspect the rubble of the Hasouna family house, which was struck by an Israeli airstrike during an operation to rescue two hostages in Rafah on February 13, 2024. Ibrahim Hasouna, who was away at the time of the airstrike, says his entire family was killed, including his parents, two brothers, his sister-in-law and three nieces and nephews. Picture: AP

Despite the pressure coming from the Biden administration, there is little sign of the Netanyahu government changing its plan to destroy Hamas — whatever the cost in death and destruction in Gaza.

The immediate risk is to the city of Rafah, where Israel is launching intensive airstrikes and planning a full ground offensive.