President Joe Biden is set to visit Israel and Jordan on Wednesday, as he seeks to ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza and broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The trip comes after a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, which killed more than 1,400 Israelis and sparked a fierce Israeli response. Israel has launched airstrikes and threatened a ground invasion of Gaza, while Hamas has fired rockets at Israeli cities.
The violence has caused widespread suffering and displacement in Gaza, where more than 2.3 million people live under an Israeli blockade. According to the U.N., more than 2,700 people have been killed and 9,700 wounded in Gaza, while hundreds of thousands have fled their homes. Hospitals are running out of power and water, and aid workers are struggling to deliver food and medicine.
Biden will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman, as well as other regional leaders. He will express his support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but also urge restraint and de-escalation. He will also announce a plan to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, in coordination with Israel and Egypt.
The U.S. has faced criticism from some of its allies and human rights groups for not doing enough to stop the bloodshed and pressure Israel to end its siege of Gaza. The U.S. has repeatedly blocked U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for a cease-fire, saying it prefers diplomatic efforts.
Biden’s visit is also seen as a signal of his commitment to the Middle East peace process, which has been stalled for years. The U.S. hopes to revive the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, based on a two-state solution. Biden will also discuss other regional issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program and the situation in Lebanon. The trip is Biden’s first to the Middle East since taking office in January. He has vowed to restore America’s leadership and credibility in the world, after four years of isolationism and unpredictability under former President Donald Trump.
Biden faces many challenges and risks in his mission, as the region is volatile and complex. He will have to balance his support for Israel with his concern for the Palestinians, as well as his relations with other Arab countries. He will also have to deal with the influence of Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, which have threatened to join the conflict.
However, Biden also has an opportunity to make a difference and show his vision for the region. He can demonstrate his diplomatic skills and his empathy for the people suffering on both sides. He can also offer hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for all.
Source: AP News
