Joe Biden To Land In Israel Shortly
In the aftermath of a devastating military action launched by Israel on Gaza City’s Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, the toll has been heart-wrenching, with reports suggesting a staggering loss of at least 500 lives, according to official figures from Palestinian health authorities. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the impending visit of United States President Joe Biden to Israel, a visit that carries immense significance within the realm of international diplomacy.
The recent offensive on Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, a critical healthcare facility providing refuge to numerous patients and civilians attempting to seek shelter from the relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces, has dealt a severe blow to the ongoing peace initiatives spearheaded by global leaders. These efforts have been aimed at de-escalating the growing tensions and preventing the situation from spiraling further out of control, and the attack has significantly complicated these endeavors.
Biden’s upcoming visit to Israel, considered a crucial partner for Washington in the Middle East, was arranged prior to the recent hospital attack. However, its timing now carries even greater weight as Israel escalates its military operations in Gaza, with indications of a possible ground offensive. The purported strike on the Gaza hospital has already had diplomatic repercussions for Biden, resonating significantly within global diplomatic circles.
The effects of the hospital incident have extended to Biden’s diplomatic engagements, causing ripples in his scheduled meetings. Jordan, originally planning to host Biden for a high-level summit involving King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has made the decision to cancel these meetings. This move signals a strain in relations, and Biden’s reception in Amman is currently uncertain, with the status of the visit in a state of suspension.
Expressing his distress on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, Biden communicated his strong feelings of shock and sorrow regarding the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital attack, while refraining from directly criticizing Israel.
Biden’s trip comes after his top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, met with Arab leaders, many of whom chose not to denounce Hamas for its assaults, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people in Israel, including some foreigners. The President is set to arrive in Tel Aviv at 10 am local time (07:00 GMT) on Wednesday, where he will hold discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials. As per the White House, Biden will receive a thorough briefing on Israel’s military objectives and tactics and reaffirm Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security.
