Biden Embarks on Middle East Trip Amid Rising Concerns of Regional Conflict
US President Joe Biden is set to travel to Israel and Jordan this week to hold crucial meetings with Israeli and Arab leaders. The visit comes as fears grow that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a larger regional war.
With the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip deteriorating rapidly, Biden aims to send a strong message of support for Israel. His administration has already pledged military assistance to Israel, including the deployment of US carriers and aid to the region. In addition, the US is seeking approval from Congress for over $2 billion in extra aid for Israel and Ukraine, which is currently facing an invasion by Russia.
The announcement of Biden’s trip was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken following lengthy discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials. Blinken emphasized the critical moment that Israel, the region, and the world are facing, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In addition to meeting with Israeli leaders, Biden will also hold discussions with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The main focus of these meetings will be addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Biden’s administration has consistently called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, highlighting the need to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.
As the situation worsens in Gaza, with essential supplies such as water, food, and fuel running critically low, truckloads of aid have been barred from entering the territory through the Egypt-Gaza border. This has sparked pleas from residents and humanitarian organizations for immediate assistance.
Initially scheduled to visit Pueblo, Colorado, on Monday, Biden decided to postpone the trip in order to consult with his advisors and engage with world leaders about the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Biden held phone conversations with Egyptian President el-Sissi, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss the aftermath of the surprise attacks launched by Hamas militants on Israel, which resulted in hundreds of casualties. The retaliatory strikes by Israeli forces have claimed the lives of at least 2,778 Palestinians.
Against the backdrop of growing concerns about the potential wider implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict, European Union leaders are convening for an emergency summit to address the situation. There are apprehensions that the ongoing war could further destabilize Europe and lead to an influx of refugees seeking safety.
Biden’s call with President el-Sissi followed the latter’s meeting with Secretary Blinken in Cairo, during which el-Sissi expressed his view that Israel’s Gaza operation has exceeded the limits of self-defense and has now turned into collective punishment. While Kirby, a White House spokesperson, refrained from commenting on el-Sissi’s criticism, he confirmed that humanitarian aid was a focal point in the discussions.
Earlier in the day, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received a comprehensive briefing from their national security team, with a particular focus on the evolving situation in Israel and Gaza. The briefing was attended by White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and high-ranking officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, and Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns.
Blinken’s visit to Israel echoed his earlier trip to the region, during which he engaged with Israeli leaders and garnered feedback from Arab counterparts. He reiterated unequivocal support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism and expressed the US government’s determination to provide necessary assistance to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.
In conclusion, President Biden’s upcoming trip to the Middle East holds significant importance given the critical moment that Israel and the region are experiencing. The primary goal of the visit is to reaffirm unwavering support for Israel and address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. By demonstrating the US commitment to the region, Biden aims to prevent the conflict from escalating into a larger regional war.
