US Shifts Stance on Israel-Hamas Crisis, Urges Humanitarian Aid and Ceasefire
The United States has significantly altered its position regarding the Israel-Hamas crisis, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Palestinian civilians in Gaza and calling for humanitarian assistance and a ceasefire. This shift in tone by US President Joe Biden and his team comes in response to a rising Palestinian death toll, the challenges in freeing hostages held by Hamas, and mounting pressure from Arab nations, European allies, and some Americans.
While Biden maintains the belief that Israel has the right and responsibility to defend itself following the devastating attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, there has been a growing realization within his administration of the dire humanitarian crisis and the need to prioritize aid for Palestinians. The changing circumstances and potential catastrophe of an Israeli ground invasion have prompted the administration to adopt a more nuanced approach.
The unexpected escalation of Palestinian casualties, with over 7,000 reported dead in Gaza according to local officials, along with the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, has driven the Biden administration to reassess its position. This evolution in strategy is also influenced by Biden’s reelection bid in 2024, concerns from potential supporters regarding his stance on Palestinians, and a warning from former President Barack Obama that Israel’s actions could have long-lasting negative consequences.
Israeli officials and their US supporters are concerned that as time passes since the October 7 attack, the world’s focus may shift towards the death and destruction caused by Israel’s response in Gaza. To avoid a full-scale ground invasion and its potential ramifications, Biden’s aides are urging Israeli counterparts to carefully consider their exit strategy. They caution against hastily crafting a plan, citing the need to avoid mistakes made during the early stages of the Iraq war.
US military advisers, deployed to the region, are advising Israeli counterparts to exercise caution given the challenging terrain and the presence of tunnels and booby-trapped buildings in Gaza. They warn of potential increased casualties among Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Former President Obama, in a rare commentary on an ongoing foreign policy crisis, warned that cutting off food and water to Gaza could have unintended consequences for generations, prompting concerns among US officials. The recent protests against Israel, following an explosion at a Palestinian hospital which the US and Israel attributed to Palestinian militants, also raised alarms. These protests serve as a reminder of the risks associated with further escalation, highlighting adversaries’ potential use of disinformation to incite unrest.
The most significant shift in US policy occurred this week, with the administration now supporting a cessation of Israeli attacks on Gaza to allow for the delivery of aid and the safe evacuation of people. Multiple appeals from the United Nations for civilian protection and increasing desperation for aid access contributed to this change in stance. The US revised its own UN resolution to include calls for humanitarian pauses to ensure unhindered delivery of aid.
President Biden’s recent remarks signify a departure from his initial statements on October 7. He now emphasizes Israel’s responsibility to protect innocent civilians and criticizes the actions of extremist settlers on the West Bank. Biden also expressed the need for renewed efforts towards a peace agreement between Israel and a future Palestinian state once the crisis subsides.
However, while showing some flexibility, Biden maintains skepticism regarding Palestinian casualty estimates and reiterates unwavering support for Israel. He expressed no confidence in the numbers provided by the Palestinians regarding Gaza’s dead.
Overall, the changing dynamics on the ground, mounting pressure from various quarters, and a reevaluation of long-term consequences have prompted the US to shift its stance on the Israel-Hamas crisis. The emphasis now lies on humanitarian aid and achieving a ceasefire, albeit with an understanding of Israel’s right to self-defense.
