President Biden to Visit Israel and Jordan to Show Support and Solidarity After Hamas Attacks

Washington - President Biden is set to travel to Israel on Wednesday to demonstrate support for the country in the wake of a series of surprise attacks by Hamas that left approximately 1,400 Israelis dead earlier this month. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the announcement early Tuesday morning in Israel and Monday night in the U.S. He stated that the president's visit comes at a critical moment for Israel, the region, and the world. The purpose of the trip is to reaffirm America's solidarity with Israel and its commitment to its security.

Upon arriving in Israel, President Biden will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and receive a briefing on Israel's war aims and strategy. The president will emphasize the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza without benefiting Hamas. Israel and the U.S. have agreed to develop a plan to enable international humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza, potentially including the creation of safe areas.

Following his visit to Israel, President Biden will travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The president's visit to Jordan aims to address the ongoing crisis and seek solutions that promote stability and peace in the region.

The news of President Biden's visit comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed over 2,800 civilians since the October 7 attacks, according to Gaza officials. Israel has sealed the border of the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip since the attack and is expected to launch a ground offensive soon. There are concerns about the safety of U.S. citizens in the region, with 30 U.S. citizens among those killed and 13 Americans remaining unaccounted for.

Secretary Blinken, who visited Israel earlier this week, described gruesome photos and videos he reviewed, showing the victims of Hamas' terrorist attack on Israeli civilians. He expressed his shock and condemned the actions, calling them "sheer evil" and comparable to the worst of ISIS. Blinken emphasized that Hamas continues to use civilians as human shields, which complicates the situation and puts innocent lives at risk.

During his press conference in Israel, Blinken assured the Israeli government and its people that the United States will always be there for them and will provide the necessary support. He acknowledged the bravery and heroism displayed by Israeli citizens in the face of Hamas attacks.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., there is bipartisan support for Israel, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledging the Senate's assistance through an aid package. The package will include humanitarian, diplomatic, and intelligence aid to help Israel respond to the Hamas attack. The Biden administration has already begun sending munitions and military equipment to Israel and expects additional requests for security assistance as the conflict continues.

President Biden's visit to Israel and Jordan is a significant step in reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to its key ally and addressing the ongoing crisis in the region. The president aims to promote stability, minimize civilian casualties, and work towards a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.