In a high-stakes gamble, President Joe Biden arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday amidst a volatile situation following the bombing of a hospital in Gaza that is believed to have killed hundreds of Palestinians. Hamas has blamed an Israeli air strike for the blast at Al Ahli hospital, while Israel claims it was caused by rockets fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. President Biden had planned to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and Arab leaders in Jordan, but the summit in Amman was suddenly cancelled just before Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews. This cancellation highlights the lack of confidence in President Biden's ability to end the violence, according to the leaders of Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority.

President Biden has made it clear that he supports Israel's right to defend itself and has described the Hamas attacks on Israel as "sheer evil". However, he is also concerned about the civilian and humanitarian cost of the conflict. The US wants Israel to allow aid into Gaza and ensure safe passage for trapped Americans. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that progress had been made towards these goals, but nothing has been agreed upon yet. President Biden is aware of the potential shift in global public sentiment and the risk of a wider conflict in the region. Security concerns also arise with his visit to a conflict zone, as his entourage may face challenges and the need to seek shelter, impacting his image as president.

Nevertheless, President Biden's long-standing relationship with Israel, having known Prime Minister Netanyahu for 40 years, allows for a more robust exchange of views. Biden has clear ideas about what he believes should happen, including the need for a Palestinian Authority and a path to a Palestinian state, as well as pressuring Israel to operate more carefully in Gaza and end the conflict quickly. The US has been a loyal ally to Israel, and it is now crucial for President Biden to use his influence and leverage to limit bloodshed and prevent an all-out war in the Middle East.

The trip to Israel was announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized the critical moment for Israel, the region, and the world. President Biden's visit aims to show support and prevent the war with Hamas from spreading further. The president will stress the US's “ironclad” commitment to Israel and will meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The decision for the visit followed lengthy negotiations between President Biden, Blinken, and Netanyahu's war cabinet. The president will receive a briefing on Israel's war aims, strategy, and efforts to minimize civilian casualties and provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has raised concerns, with over a million people displaced and shortages of food, water, and fuel. The US estimates that 500 to 600 Americans remain trapped there. Aid flowing into Gaza is critical, and the US and Israel have agreed to develop a plan for delivering aid to civilians. President Biden will also work towards securing the release of hostages taken by Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, with Israel massing troops along the border in preparation for a potential ground offensive. Iran has issued a warning against Israeli action in Gaza, stating that it could take pre-emptive action against Israel, potentially involving the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in southern Lebanon. This raises concerns about the escalation of a broader regional conflict.

After visiting Israel, President Biden will travel to Amman in Jordan to meet with King Abdullah, President Al-Sisi of Egypt, and President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. The focus of these talks will largely be on addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Secretary of State Blinken has also been visiting Middle Eastern countries to address the aftermath of the Hamas attack.