Joe Biden Pledges Support to Israelis and Aid to Palestinians
Biden’s Visit to Tel Aviv
US President Joe Biden traveled to Tel Aviv to offer unwavering support to Israelis and humanitarian assistance to suffering Palestinians. His visit followed the Oct. 7 attack on Israeli villages and military bases by Gaza-based Palestinian Hamas gunmen, which resulted in the death of 1,400 people and the taking of approximately 200 hostages.
Understanding the Hospital Blast
During his visit, a deadly explosion occurred at Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital, causing Palestinian officials to blame Israel for an air strike. However, Israel stated that the blast was caused by a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group, which denied responsibility.
Biden, after reviewing the available information, concluded that the explosion was the result of an errant rocket fired by a terrorist group from Gaza. He expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and emphasized the United States’ commitment to protecting civilian life during conflicts.
Aid for Gaza and the West Bank
Biden announced that the US would provide $100 million in new funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Furthermore, he pledged to urge Congress to provide unprecedented aid to Israel to support its fight against Hamas. These funds are expected to be part of a larger $100 billion package in Congress.
Urging Restraint and Following the Rule of Law
While offering support to Israel, Biden also cautioned against giving in to rage and urged Israelis to uphold the rule of law. He reminded them that as a democracy, they should not live by the rules of terrorists, emphasizing the importance of staying true to their values.
Recognizing Palestinian Suffering
Biden acknowledged the suffering of the Palestinian people, stating that the majority of Palestinians are not affiliated with Hamas. He expressed his concern over the retaliatory Israeli strikes, which Palestinian authorities claim have resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 Palestinians.
The US Veto and Solidarity with Israel
At the same time as Biden’s visit, the US vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants. Biden reassured Israel of its support, drawing a parallel with the Nazi Holocaust of World War Two and affirming that the US would not stand by and do nothing.
Tough Questions and Continued Support
Biden revealed that during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he asked tough questions as a friend of Israel. The discussions covered various topics, including humanitarian needs, security assistance, and information on unaccounted Americans.
With his visit to Tel Aviv, Biden demonstrated the United States’ commitment to supporting Israelis and providing aid to suffering Palestinians. His efforts to promote peace and stability in the region reflect his dedication to upholding democratic values and protecting civilian life during conflicts.
