U.S. President Joe Biden embarked on a crucial journey on Tuesday, commencing a whirlwind trip to the Middle East, specifically Israel and Jordan. His primary objectives are twofold: to gain a comprehensive understanding of Israel's objectives in its imminent battle against Hamas militants and to emphasize the urgency of providing humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza.
Biden's itinerary included discussions in Tel Aviv, where he engaged in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials. These discussions were of paramount importance as Israel was preparing for a ground offensive aimed at eradicating Hamas militants in Gaza. The conflict had escalated dramatically, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,300 lives during a rampage through southern Israeli towns on October 7th.
Following his time in Tel Aviv, Biden proceeded to Amman, Jordan, to accelerate efforts related to humanitarian aid for Gaza. In Amman, he met with King Abdullah of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas, a vocal opponent of Hamas, leads an organization that exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
This visit marked Biden's second trip to a conflict zone in the year, following his visit to Ukraine in February. The risks associated with such visits were not lost on the President. His overarching goal was to demonstrate unwavering American support for Netanyahu and Israel while treading carefully to prevent a broader regional conflict involving Iran, its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Syria. To underscore its support for Israel, the United States had deployed a carrier strike group in the eastern Mediterranean, with another on the way, showcasing a significant display of force. Simultaneously, Biden aimed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over 2,800 lives had been lost due to Israeli bombardment over the past week.
The humanitarian aid situation was critical, with hundreds of tons of aid from multiple countries waiting in Egypt's Sinai peninsula. The aid's delivery to Gaza and the evacuation of foreign passport holders through the Rafah crossing were contingent upon a secure agreement. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby emphasized Biden's commitment to collaborating with regional partners, including Israel, to facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure the safe passage of civilians.
Despite their profound political differences on Middle East policies, Biden and Netanyahu had formed a united front in the face of conflict. Biden had provided unreserved support to Israel while concurrently stressing the urgent need to avert a massive humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Their in-person meeting allowed for private discussions on concerns and potential red lines concerning the impending Gaza invasion. Additionally, Biden received updates on the hostages held by Hamas.
The State Department disclosed that 29 U.S. citizens had lost their lives in the Hamas attacks in Israel, with 15 citizens and one lawful permanent resident still unaccounted for. Israel had vowed to dismantle the Hamas movement, a commitment Biden acknowledged. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after extensive talks with Israel's war cabinet in Tel Aviv, affirmed Israel's right and obligation to defend its citizens from Hamas and other terrorists while ensuring minimal civilian casualties and enabling the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a joint effort, the U.S. and Israel collaborated on a plan to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to the civilians in Gaza, ensuring that such aid did not benefit Hamas. Biden's journey, laden with challenges and high-stakes diplomacy, underscored the United States' commitment to its allies, its dedication to humanitarian efforts, and its resolve to navigate complex geopolitical situations.
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