Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden to visit Jordan amid growing concerns over conflict escalation – Gudstory

As reported APPresident Biden’s itinerary also includes a visit to Jordan, according to a statement Monday evening from White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet with key regional leaders, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Also read: Israel-Hamas war live updates: ‘Less than 24 hours left with water, electricity’ in Gaza; Death toll – 2,808

“We are absolutely clear about the need to be able to continue the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. “This has been a consistent call by President Biden and certainly the entire administration,” Kirby said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed President Biden’s visit to Israel, emphasizing the urgency of the emerging humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Concurrently, Israel is reportedly preparing for a possible ground incursion into the 141-square-mile (365-square-kilometer) area.

The operation aims to eliminate Hamas militants, whom US and Israeli officials blame for the most devastating attack on Jews since the Holocaust. President Biden’s visit underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for diplomatic engagement, AP informed of.

President Biden is actively trying to express a strong show of support for Israel, reflecting his Democratic administration’s unwavering commitment to the nation.

Also read: Israel-Hamas war: World leaders change stance on Palestine as Gaza death toll rises

Additionally, officials have indicated their intention to request more than $2 billion in supplemental assistance from Congress for both Israel and Ukraine. The latter is currently engaged in the fight against Russian aggression.

Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Israel on Monday marked his second visit to the country in less than a week, underscoring the importance of his diplomatic efforts in the region. He has been actively involved in a whirlwind tour of the Middle East, stopping in various major countries.

These visits have included discussions with the leaders of Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Blinken’s extensive travels highlight the United States’ commitment to diplomacy and cooperation in the Middle East, addressing critical regional issues. AP informed of.

Also read: China criticizes Israel’s actions on Gaza in war with Hamas: ‘Beyond the scope of self-defense’

Blinken echoed some of the feedback he received from Arab leaders in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials on Monday.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement, “They underlined their steadfast support for Israel’s right to defend itself against the terrorism of Hamas and provide the Israeli government with whatever is necessary to protect its citizens.” Reaffirmed American determination to do so.”

On Monday, Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, issued a warning that “preventive action is possible” if Israel comes close to launching ground attacks in the Gaza Strip. It is important to note that Iran plays a significant financial role as a sponsor of both Hamas terrorists in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Also read: Explainer: Hezbollah’s origins and role in the Israel-Hamas war

Amirabdollahian’s comments are in line with a broader trend of increasingly harsh rhetoric coming from Iran, further escalating tensions in the region.

“The leaders of the resistance will not allow the Zionist regime to do whatever it wants in Gaza and then go after other resistance groups after it has done the same to Gaza,” he told state television. “Therefore any preemptive action is possible in the coming hours.”

According to White House officials, US intelligence indicated that Iran had general knowledge of Hamas’s preparations for a possible attack on Israel. However, the United States has not found concrete evidence of direct Iranian involvement in the October 7 attack. Although there may be awareness of Hamas activities, there is no clear indication of direct Iranian involvement in the incident.

(with input from AP)

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Updated: 17 October 2023, 06:28 AM IST