Biden made this statement during an interview with CNN, expressing concern over the use of US weapons that have historically been used to deal with Rafah and have resulted in the killing of civilians in the ongoing seven-month-old Israeli offensive against Hamas.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 34,789 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed during this campaign.

The Israeli military conducted a limited attack on Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip where over one million Palestinians seek refuge.

The US paused the delivery of 1,800 2,000-pound and 1,700 500-pound bombs to Israel due to concerns for civilians in Rafah.

A senior US official spoke anonymously, stating that the decision was made due to past civilian casualties caused by these bombs during Israeli operations.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed opposition to a major Israeli invasion without civilian safeguards and cited civilian deaths as a consequence of these bombs.

The text summarizes the cause of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which was initiated by Hamas' attack on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions, with around 133 people still believed to be held captive in Gaza.

President Biden stated that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Israel, including the Iron Dome air defense system, but would not supply weapons and artillery shells.

The US condemned the attacks but emphasized Israel's right to self-defense.