Biden warns Israel to protect Palestinians over plans to invade Rafah

Daily News Lesson

Feb. 13, 2024, 4:51 p.m.

Biden warns Israel to protect Palestinians over plans to invade Rafah

Teacher's note: This story contains some graphic images. Be sure to review all materials and check in with students as to how they are feeling. Let them know you, school counselors and administrators are there for them and are available to talk.

SUMMARY

This week, Israeli troops rescued two hostages from Hamas militants in Rafah in an operation that Palestinian authorities say killed more than 70. Israel is now threatening to assault Rafah, but President Biden warned that the displaced Palestinians there must be protected. Nick Schifrin reports.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM UP QUESTIONS

Who was rescued by Israeli forces?
Where is the city of Rafah?
What military operation is Israel reported to be planning?
Why is President Biden warning Israel about protecting Palestinian civilians in Rafah?
How are international leaders responding to the Israel's plan to invade Rafah?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What strategy do you think President Biden should take to pressure Israel to protect Palestinian lives? What do you think would be the consequences (internationally and in the U.S.) of Israel ignoring Biden's warnings?

Media literacy: Where could you go to learn more about U.S. policy regarding Israel?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: In this story, it is revealed that Egypt has threatened to leave the treaty that has established peace between Egypt and Israel for many decades. What are the so-called Camp David Accords, and what would be the consequence of Egypt leaving them? Read this explainer and discuss as a class.

(FILE PHOTO) Yamit Retrospective - Settlers Evacuated By Force

WASHINGTON DC, USA: (FILE PHOTO) The triple handshake between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat (L), US President Jimmy Carter (C) and Israeli Prime Minister Menahem Begin seals the signing of the Israeli-Egyptian peace treat March 26, 1979 on the White House lawn in Washington DC. Three years later, Jewish settlers resisted evacuation from their Sinai Desert settlements and now, 22 years after that, another generation of settlers in the Gaza Strip are threatening a last stand against forced removal should ruling Prime Minister Ariel Sharon go through with his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Tel Or Beni/GPO/Getty Images)

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