Devendra Kumar
President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel was marked by strong support for the Israeli people, acknowledgment of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and a warning against allowing rage to consume the situation. During his seven-hour visit, Biden emphasized the need for a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict, urging Israel to step back from the brink of war. He likened the October 7 Hamas attack to the September 11 attacks on the United States, stating that “you can’t look at what has happened here…and not scream out for justice.”
The president’s message was met with a mix of reactions, with some protesters in Amman and Lebanon labeling him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu war criminals. However, Netanyahu praised Biden’s efforts to unite the civilized world against Hamas, describing the visit as “deeply, deeply moving.”
The discussion between Biden and Netanyahu was somber, with the possibility of improved relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors seemingly to dim with the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hamas war. The region remains on high alert, with fears that a new front could erupt along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. The leadership of the US Senate Intelligence Committee released a statement expressing confidence that the explosion at the Gaza hospital was “the result of a failed rocket launch” by militants, not an Israeli air strike. However, the Associated Press has not independently verified any of the claims or evidence released by the parties.
As Biden departed Israel, he emphasized the importance of seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict, warning against allowing rage to consume the situation. His visit concluded with a sense of urgency, underscoring the need for an end to the violence and suffering in the region. In the face of escalating tensions, Biden’s message called for a measured approach, emphasizing the importance of justice and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The US is also providing $100 million in aid to Gaza and the West Bank, stressing that “the vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas…Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people.” Egypt has agreed to reopen its border crossing with Gaza, allowing 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid supplies to cross, which is a small step towards alleviating the dire humanitarian situation. The region remains tense as the US continues to play a key role in trying to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Biden’s visit served as a reminder of the need for a calm and measured approach to the situation, rather than allowing emotions to cloud judgment. The US’s commitment to the region is evident in its decision to provide over $2 billion in combined aid for Israel and Ukraine, and it is hoped that this financial support will help to bring about a more peaceful and stable future for the region. As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the US will be able to successfully broker a peaceful resolution to the conflict, bringing an end to the violence and suffering that has plagued the region.