President Biden is set to have a vital meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House, amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The Israeli defense forces have recently conducted a series of strikes in southern Gaza and the city of Rafah, resulting in casualties and the rescue of two hostages. Palestinian medical officials claim that over 100 Palestinians have been killed in these operations. The situation in and around Rafah remains uncertain, as Israel has urged Palestinians to evacuate the area. President Biden has been engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cautioning against a ground assault without a concrete plan to protect civilians.
The meeting between President Biden and King Abdullah carries significant weight, as it marks the first visit by a Middle Eastern leader to the White House since the recent escalation of tensions. Discussions are expected to focus on the Gaza crisis and efforts to establish a lasting resolution. King Abdullah has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, a stance the U.S. has been reluctant to adopt.
The ongoing hostage negotiations also play a crucial role in the discussions. President Biden spent considerable time on the phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu, primarily focusing on securing the release of over 100 hostages held by Hamas. While progress has been made, there are still substantial gaps to bridge, prompting President Biden to send CIA Chief Bill Burns to Egypt for critical talks on hostage releases.
The recent Israeli operation to rescue two hostages in Rafah has raised concerns within the White House. Israel's proposed ground offensive in the city, which is home to over a million people, requires careful planning to ensure civilian safety. President Biden expressed these concerns directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu, reiterating that any military operation in Rafah should only proceed with a credible and executable plan to protect the well-being of those seeking shelter there.
The tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict have also led to noticeable disagreements between the U.S. and Israel. President Biden recently criticized Israel's response in Gaza, describing it as 'over the top.' These public rifts highlight the complexities involved in finding a resolution and the challenge of balancing Israel's security concerns with the protection of civilian lives.
As the meeting between President Biden and King Abdullah unfolds, all eyes are on the outcome. The discussions will likely be pivotal in shaping the future course of action and facilitating an end to the crisis. The U.S. remains committed to working towards a peaceful resolution and will closely monitor Israel's approach in the strategic city of Rafah.
