Biden Calls for Restraint from Israel, Pledges Support Amid Gaza Crisis

Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons

In a recent visit to Israel, US President Joe Biden urged the country not to be “consumed” by rage in response to the attack by Hamas. He pledged steadfast support for Israel’s self-defence and expressed his understanding of the country’s predicament, comparing it to the United States’ crisis following the 9/11 attacks.

Biden’s Stance on Israel’s Situation

Biden’s comments came during a one-day visit to the region where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US President emphasized the need for justice but cautioned against making mistakes fueled by rage. He referred to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, where the US “sought and got justice” but also “made mistakes”.

Aid to Gaza

The US President also announced that Israel had agreed to allow the opening of the Egypt-Gaza border for the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid. This comes after an 11-day total blockade, and the supplies are intended to meet the essential needs of food, water, and medical supplies for the people of Gaza.

However, a condition was placed that the aid should not be diverted by Hamas for its own use. Biden acknowledged the suffering of the Palestinian people and stated that the US would continue to provide for Israel’s security needs.

The Rafah Crossing

Following his departure from Israel, Biden revealed that he had spoken to Egyptian President, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, who agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing. This will allow 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid supplies to enter Gaza. Despite the need for repairs on roads near the border, aid is expected to start reaching the territory by the end of the week.

The Impact on Gaza’s Population

The crisis in Gaza has led to warnings from the UN and other aid agencies about the imminent danger faced by Gaza’s 2.3 million population. The risks include death by dehydration, hunger, disease, and injuries from bombardment.

Humanitarian organizations have stockpiled life-saving supplies on the Egyptian side of the border, awaiting the opening of the Rafah crossing. The ActionAid agency reported that 70% of the more than 3,000 Palestinians killed in the past 10 days were women and children.

US Support for Israel at the UN

Despite the ongoing crisis, the US provided diplomatic support to Israel at the UN, vetoing a security council resolution that called for a humanitarian ceasefire. This resolution sought to allow aid deliveries and urged Israel to rescind its order for the population of northern Gaza to move to the southern half of the enclave.