ANS: US President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is scheduled to visit Israel, the war-torn nation on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The visit is aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Israel as it grapples with the brutality of Hamas’s terrorist attacks.
A statement released by the White House affirmed the purpose of President Biden’s visit, stating, “President Biden will travel to Israel on Wednesday, October 18, to demonstrate his steadfast support for Israel in the face of Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack and to consult on next steps.”
Following his visit to Israel, President Biden will continue his diplomatic efforts by travelling to Amman, Jordan. There, he is scheduled to meet with His Majesty King Abdullah, Egyptian President Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. These meetings are expected to address the complex dynamics of the Middle East and explore potential pathways to peace and stability.
In a significant statement made yesterday, President Biden emphasized that Hamas does not represent the entirety of the Palestinian population. He called for the complete elimination of Hamas while also cautioning against a continuation of the Israeli occupation of Gaza, which he deemed disastrous.
President Biden expressed support for the creation of a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the movement of people out of Gaza and the delivery of essential food and water supplies. Furthermore, he reiterated his belief that Israel should adhere to international rules of engagement, following allegations of violations since the commencement of the conflict.
As concerns mount over the potential spillover of the Israel-Hamas conflict into inter-communal tensions in Europe and the influx of refugees, European Union leaders have convened an emergency summit. The summit’s agenda includes discussions on aiding civilians affected by the conflict and engaging with regional countries to mitigate tensions.
Today marks the 11th day of the ongoing battle between Israel and Hamas, with expectations that the situation may worsen. The combined death toll, including Israel’s 1,400 casualties and Gaza’s 2,800 fatalities, has now reached nearly 4,200 lives lost.
Despite the rising tensions, the United States’ Pentagon has swiftly taken action to bolster American military assets in the Middle East, with the aim of deterring a regional war. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the deployment of the USS Eisenhower to join the USS Gerald R. Ford in the eastern Mediterranean.
Additionally, the U.S. Air Force is sending double the number of F-16, A-10, and F-15E squadrons to the Persian Gulf. This increased military presence is intended to deter potential involvement by Iran, Syria, and Iran-backed proxy groups such as Hezbollah in the ongoing conflict. Neighboring countries of Israel and the Palestinians, namely Egypt and Jordan, are apprehensive about potential displacement and destabilization spilling beyond their borders.
Meanwhile, states further removed from the conflict are concerned about internal stability as their populations react to the escalating situation.
In a diplomatic outreach, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Moscow’s commitment to preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Putin expressed Russia’s dedication to seeking an end to the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation through political and diplomatic means, highlighting the importance of achieving a peaceful settlement in the region.
As the situation in the Middle East remains tense and complex, the international community continues to closely monitor developments and seek avenues for de-escalation and lasting peace.