United States President Joe Biden has announced his plans to visit Israel in an effort to show support for the country’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. This visit comes after the US government revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to allow humanitarian aid to reach the besieged Gazans.
The significance of Biden’s visit cannot be understated, as it underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. In addition to visiting Israel, Biden will also be meeting with key regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
A Ray of Hope for Gaza
As part of the ongoing efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, trucks carrying vital supplies have finally reached the Rafah crossing in Egypt, the only access point to the enclave that is outside of Israel’s control. After days of diplomatic negotiations, these supplies will bring much-needed relief to the Palestinians.
The devastating toll of the conflict between Israel and Hamas cannot be ignored. Hamas gunmen claimed the lives of 1,300 individuals, primarily civilians, in a horrific rampage through Israeli towns on October 7. Retaliatory air strikes by Israel have since resulted in the deaths of over 2,800 Palestinians, with half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population displaced from their homes.
Moreover, the blockade imposed by Israel has further exacerbated the dire situation, preventing critical aid, including food, fuel, and medical supplies, from reaching Gaza. The visit by President Biden holds the promise of a breakthrough in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gazans who are in dire need of it.
Working Towards a Sustainable Solution
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who made the announcement regarding President Biden’s visit, emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to ensure the defense of Israel and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This plan will be developed jointly by the US government and Israeli authorities to address the urgent needs of both parties.
President Biden’s visit will also serve as an opportunity for Israel to outline its strategy for minimizing civilian casualties in its operations and to discuss how humanitarian aid can be channeled to the people of Gaza without benefiting Hamas, the ruling faction in the enclave.
Furthermore, the United States is actively seeking the support of Arab states in order to prevent the escalation of hostilities into a full-blown regional conflict. Iran, a key player in the region, has already pledged “preemptive action” through its allies, including the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
A Glimmer of Hope
The Israeli military, in its latest series of strikes, targeted various Hamas and Islamic Jihad military installations, including the headquarters of Hamas and a bank used by the group. Regrettably, at least 49 Palestinians lost their lives in an overnight Israeli strike that hit homes in Khan Younis and Rafah, according to Gaza’s interior ministry.
Hamas claims to have taken 199 hostages during their violent incursion, though Israel disputes this number. However, Hamas has indicated that it considers the foreigners among the captives as “guests” and has expressed intentions to release them once circumstances allow. It is clear that Hamas aims to leverage these captives to secure the release of thousands of Palestinians currently held in Israeli jails.
In an attempt to humanize their cause, Hamas released a video featuring a French-Israeli woman named Mia Scheme, who was shown receiving medical treatment for an injured arm. She passionately pleaded to be reunited with her family at the earliest possible opportunity.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the impending visit of President Biden offers a glimmer of hope for the people of Gaza. His collaboration with Israeli leaders, coupled with the support of regional allies, presents an opportunity for a sustainable solution that protects the lives of civilians while delivering crucial humanitarian aid to those who desperately need it.
Reuters/NAN
