Tel Aviv: In a significant and unprecedented move, President Joe Biden is set to embark on a landmark trip to Israel, offering an "ironclad" display of support from the United States. This visit comes as efforts intensify to alleviate a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the importance of the visit, describing it as a "statement of solidarity with Israel" and an "ironclad commitment to its security." The trip occurs just days after a distressing incident where Hamas fighters breached the heavily fortified border, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,400 lives, primarily civilians, through shootings, stabbings, and burnings.
One of the key objectives of President Biden's visit is to prevent a possible regional escalation involving Iran, which is known to support Hamas. On Monday, Iran issued a warning of a potential "pre-emptive action" against Israel in the near future. Additionally, repeated conflicts along Israel's northern border with Lebanon have led to casualties on both sides, heightening concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Furthermore, Biden's visit aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stemming from a series of retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on the Hamas-ruled territory.
Antony Blinken stated, "The president will reaffirm United States solidarity with Israel and our ironclad commitment to its security." He emphasized Israel's right and duty to protect its citizens from Hamas and other terrorist threats.
During his visit, President Biden will gain a firsthand understanding of Israel's military requirements and collaborate with Congress to meet these needs.
Following his visit to Israel, President Biden will travel to Jordan, where he will meet with Jordanian King Abdullah II, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. This visit will conclude his engagement with key leaders in the region.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude to the United States for its unwavering support, including the recent visit by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the deployment of two US aircraft carriers to the Mediterranean. Gallant acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the determination to prevail "for Israel, for the Jewish people, and for the values shared by both nations."
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of lives lost due to relentless Israeli bombardments. International agencies warn of dwindling supplies of essential resources such as water, food, and fuel. The looming threat of an Israeli ground invasion further exacerbates this crisis.
The timing of an Israeli ground offensive remains uncertain, with an Israeli military spokesman indicating that President Biden's visit may influence its schedule.
The conflict has already claimed the lives of several prominent Hamas figures, including Osama Mazini, whom the Israeli Air Force identified as a key council member and "responsible for Hamas prisoners."
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other Western governments, while Israel has drawn parallels between Hamas and the Islamic State group.
As the situation unfolds, entire neighborhoods in Gaza have been reduced to rubble, and the civilian death toll has climbed to at least 2,750 people, underscoring the urgency of addressing the ongoing crisis.
