Biden's Visit to Israel Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict Exacerbating Humanitarian Emergency

 

TEL AVIV/GAZA, Oct 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden is set to embark on a significant visit to Israel, demonstrating American support for Israel's efforts in dealing with the Hamas conflict. This visit comes after the U.S. administration confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

Trucks carrying essential supplies for Gaza have successfully reached the Rafah crossing in Egypt, the sole access point to the enclave not under Israel's control. A witness reported that around 160 trucks had departed from the nearby Egyptian town of Al-Arish, where they had been held up while diplomatic efforts were made to open the route.

Following a deadly rampage by Hamas gunmen through southern Israeli towns on Oct. 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,300 people, primarily civilians, Israel has pledged to eradicate the Hamas movement that governs Gaza. The nation has conducted airstrikes on the Hamas-controlled Gaza enclave, resulting in the deaths of over 2,800 Palestinians and displacement of nearly half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people from their homes. Additionally, Israel has imposed a complete blockade on the Gaza Strip, denying all aid, including crucial supplies such as food, fuel, and medical assistance.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced President Biden's upcoming visit after extended discussions with Netanyahu. Blinken mentioned that during the visit, Biden will assess Israel's needs for defending its people and will work with Congress to address those requirements. Biden will also discuss how Israel plans to conduct its operations in a manner that minimizes civilian casualties and allows for the flow of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza without benefiting Hamas.

The U.S. is actively seeking support from Arab states to prevent a broader regional conflict, especially after Iran pledged "preemptive action" through its allied "resistance front," which includes the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Following his visit to Israel, Biden is scheduled to travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, as confirmed by U.S. national security spokesperson John Kirby.

In recent developments, the Israeli military reported targeting military installations of Hamas and Islamic Jihad overnight, including Hamas' headquarters and a bank used by the group. An overnight Israeli strike on homes in Khan Younis and Rafah resulted in the death of at least 49 Palestinians, according to Gaza's interior ministry.

Israel has stated that Hamas fighters captured 199 hostages during their rampage. Hamas claims that foreigners among the captives are considered their "guests" and will be released when circumstances permit. Hamas has also signaled its intent to exchange Israeli captives for thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Biden's visit is a notable and bold move, demonstrating American support for Netanyahu as the U.S. works to prevent a wider regional conflict involving Iran, its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, and Syria. Israel is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza to eradicate Hamas, and cross-border clashes have intensified with Hezbollah along Israel's northern border with Lebanon.

Iran has applauded the Hamas attacks on Israel, though denying direct involvement. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned Israel of "preemptive action" in response to its actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, Netanyahu cautioned Iran and Hezbollah against testing Israel in the north, underscoring the potential heavy price they would pay for such actions.

As Israel mobilizes troops along Gaza's border, it has urged over a million people in the northern half of the enclave to relocate to the southern half for safety. Hamas, on the other hand, has advised them to remain where they are. Tens of thousands have fled to the south, but the United Nations has expressed concerns about the logistical challenges of moving such a large population without causing a humanitarian catastrophe.

Amidst the conflict, a million Gazans have already been displaced from their homes, facing severe shortages of power, clean water, and fuel for essential facilities like hospitals.