Biden Urges Access to Aid and Support for Civilians in Israel-Palestine Conflict
US President Joe Biden has held discussions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging both leaders to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and reaffirming his commitment to protecting civilians. Biden’s call with Abbas marked the first direct communication between the two leaders since the recent Hamas attack, while he has had multiple conversations with Netanyahu.
During the call with Abbas, Biden emphasized US efforts to collaborate with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and other countries to ensure that humanitarian supplies reach civilians in Gaza. The President also highlighted ongoing coordination to prevent the escalation of the conflict and preserve stability in the West Bank and the wider region.
In his conversation with Netanyahu, Biden provided an update on US military support and reiterated his warning against any actions that could further expand the conflict. The President stressed the necessity for all nations to unequivocally condemn Hamas, labeling it as a terrorist organization that does not represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
These weekend calls coincide with the announcement by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that a second carrier strike group is being deployed to support Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also intensified diplomatic efforts across the Middle East and beyond to rally an international response aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from escalating.
The concern for the safety of civilians at risk and the consequences of an extended conflict have prompted these US initiatives. As Israel urges Gaza residents to move to the south and Hamas advises people to remain at home, the Biden administration has not publicly called on Israel to exercise restraint in its response. However, it has emphasized the country’s commitment to abiding by the rules of war.
Speaking at a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Washington, President Biden connected the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to various forms of hatred that must be confronted and stopped. He highlighted the recent tragedy that resulted in the loss of 1,300 lives in Israel and deplored the use of innocent Palestinian families, who have nothing to do with Hamas, as human shields. Biden reiterated the need to reject all forms of hate.
In addition to these developments, Blinken held discussions with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh and made a stop in the United Arab Emirates, where he sought ways to assist civilians caught in the crossfire and address the escalating humanitarian crisis. He also reached out to his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians in Gaza attempt to flee areas targeted by Israeli airstrikes before a potential ground offensive.
During his meetings in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Blinken stressed the importance of humanitarian assistance and safe passage for those wishing to leave Gaza. By speaking to Arab audiences in their home countries, where these concerns are paramount, Blinken sought to address the primary issues facing the region. Defense Secretary Austin also spoke with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians. Austin provided updates on US efforts to bolster Israeli air defense capabilities and provide additional munitions, aiming to prevent a further escalation of the conflict.
Austin announced that the Biden administration is deploying an additional carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. The USS Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already positioned near Israel. The deployment includes a range of destroyers, fighter aircraft, and cruisers, bolstering the US presence in the region. Austin stated that this deployment is part of ongoing efforts to deter hostile actions against Israel and prevent the conflict from spreading further following the Hamas attack.
Should Israel proceed with a ground assault, the situation for civilians in Gaza, who are already suffering from power shortages, lack of fresh water, and limited access to aid, will undoubtedly worsen. Egyptian officials have announced that the southern Rafah crossing will briefly open to allow foreigners to leave. Israel has advised Palestinian civilians to relocate to the south to avoid the continuing offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City.
Blinken also reached out to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, appealing for China’s assistance in preventing the conflict from spreading. Blinken requested that Beijing use its influence in the Middle East to help de-escalate the situation. While the response from China remains undisclosed, the US believes that both countries share a vested interest in ensuring stability in the region. In Riyadh, Blinken and Prince Faisal underscored the importance of protecting civilians as Israel prepared for a potential incursion against Hamas, one week after the militant group launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.
Blinken emphasized, As Israel exercises its legitimate right to defend its people and prevent such attacks from recurring, it is crucial that we all prioritize the well-being of civilians. We are working together to achieve that goal. None of us desire to witness the suffering of civilians on any side, be it in Israel, Gaza, or anywhere else.
The Biden administration’s efforts reflect a commitment to mitigating the harm to civilians and avoiding the long-term consequences of an escalating conflict. As diplomatic and military maneuvers continue, the focus remains on providing aid to those in need and finding a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict that safeguards the interests of all parties involved.
