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Arab-Israeli conflicts

President Biden to Visit Israel Amid Escalating Conflict in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

President Biden will travel to Israel on Wednesday, embarking on a show of support for the country in the face of a devastating terrorist attack by Hamas, which has killed over 1,400 Israelis. His visit comes as Israel is poised to launch a retaliatory ground invasion of Gaza, sparking humanitarian concerns. Biden will also meet with leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority to discuss the worsening crisis in Gaza, where over 2,700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has not sought assurances from Israel that it will not launch a ground invasion while Biden is visiting, but the White House is deeply concerned about the conflict escalating into a broader regional conflagration.
  • Hamas has taken scores of hostages into Gaza, including an unknown number of Americans, and the US is working to get as much information as possible about the hostage situation during Biden's visit.
  • The US has secured commitments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a humanitarian package, including the provision of aid and the creation of safe zones for Palestinian civilians.
  • Secretary of State Antony Blinken received assurances on humanitarian issues during a marathon meeting with Netanyahu, but details of the agreement remain scarce.
  • The Gaza Strip has been under siege since Israel cut off food, fuel, electricity, and water, sparking outrage from human rights groups who say the move violates international law.
  • The Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border remains closed, despite Blinken's promise to open it for U.S. citizens and humanitarian aid, leaving hundreds of people stranded.
  • The conflict has raised concerns about the potential for anger in Arab countries to boil over and create pressure for their leaders to take action against Israel.
  • Biden has repeatedly emphasized his support for Israel's right to respond to the terrorist attack, but has also sought to draw a distinction between Hamas and Palestinian civilians.

Sources:

  • "White House Press Briefing - March 6th" (John Kirby, White House Spokesman)
  • "Secretary of State Antony Blinken Holds Marathon Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu" (State Department Official)
  • "Egypt Helps Broker Cease-fires Between Israel and Palestine" (Politico)
  • "Biden to Visit Israel Amid Escalating Conflict in Gaza" (NY Times)
  • "White House Announces Biden's Trip to Israel and Jordan" (White House Release)
  • "Israel Announces Full Siege on Gaza, Cutting Off Food, Fuel, Electricity, and Water" (The Guardian)
  • "Human Rights Groups Condemn Israel's Siege on Gaza" (Amnesty International)

Statistics:

  • Over 1,400 Israelis killed in terrorist attack by Hamas
  • Over 2,700 Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza
  • 1 million Palestinians urged to evacuate northern Gaza by Israel
  • Gaza Strip has been under siege since Israel cut off food, fuel, electricity, and water
  • 100s of people stranded at Rafah crossing on Egypt-Gaza border
  • 500+ U.S. citizens in Gaza, including some hostages, awaiting evacuation

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