In a resolute stance, President Joe Biden has urged Israel to exercise restraint in its response to the recent Hamas attack, reaffirming unwavering support for Israel’s self-defense. During his one-day visit to the region, Biden eloquently compared Israel’s situation following the tragic loss of over 1,300 citizens to the United States’ predicament after the 9/11 attacks, acknowledging both the pursuit of justice and the acknowledgment of errors made.
During extensive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet, President Biden conveyed Israel’s willingness to allow the reopening of the Egypt-Gaza border for the delivery of essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid. This comes after an 11-day blockade, with the stipulation that humanitarian assistance must not be diverted by Hamas for its purposes.
In a heartfelt address, President Biden expressed his concern for the Palestinian people, stating, “The people of Gaza need food, water, medicine, and shelter.” He reassured that the United States would remain committed to Israel’s security requirements, aligning with Israel’s assertion that the tragic explosion at a Gaza City hospital was not the result of an Israeli airstrike but rather an “errant rocket fired by a terrorist group in Gaza.”
Following Biden’s departure, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office issued a statement: “In light of President Biden’s demand, Israel would not foil the supply of humanitarian aid via Egypt.” Notably, the aid must not reach Hamas, the political authority in Gaza.
President Biden later revealed that he had held discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, who agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing to allow 20 trucks with humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza. While acknowledging the need for road repairs near the border, President Biden expressed optimism that aid could begin reaching Gaza by Friday.
The President expressed a firm belief in Israel’s capacity to alleviate the suffering of people who have nowhere else to turn. However, he cautioned, “Let me be clear: if Hamas diverts or steals the assistance, they will have demonstrated once again that they have no concern for the welfare of the Palestinian people, and it will hinder the international community’s ability to provide aid.”
In Tel Aviv, President Biden provided diplomatic support to Israel at the UN by vetoing a security council resolution advocating a humanitarian ceasefire for aid delivery and urging Israel to rescind its order for northern Gaza residents to relocate to the southern part of the enclave.
Biden’s visit carried both support and counsel for Israel. He emphasized that leadership during times of conflict necessitates clarity of thought and the willingness to make tough decisions. “Today I asked the Israeli cabinet … to agree to the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Based on the understanding that there will be inspections, that the aid should go to civilians, not to Hamas, Israel agreed humanitarian assistance can begin to move from Egypt to Gaza,” Biden stated. Trucks are set to begin crossing the border “as soon as possible.”
With profound empathy for the victims’ families, President Biden underscored the importance of achieving justice while cautioning against becoming consumed by rage. He highlighted the experience of the United States following the 9/11 attacks, where “we were enraged” but also acknowledged that “we made mistakes.”
In an international context, the US President’s role has drawn scrutiny as accusations arise that the US may not be acting as an impartial mediator in the conflict. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, comprising 57 member states, deplored “the international positions that back the brutal aggression against the Palestinian people, and grant Israel impunity.”
Humanitarian organizations have underscored the urgency of the situation, with Gaza’s 2.3 million residents facing the risk of death from dehydration, hunger, disease, and bombardment. They have stockpiled life-saving supplies on the Egyptian side of the border, awaiting the opening of the Rafah crossing.
Biden’s visit and his diplomatic efforts reflect a profound concern for the humanitarian crisis while affirming the unswerving support of the United States for Israel’s security and defense.
