President Biden and King Abdullah II Discuss Ending Gaza War and Humanitarian Aid
In a bid to end the ongoing war in Gaza and provide much-needed humanitarian aid, President Joe Biden welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II to the White House for crucial talks. The meeting comes at a time when the Biden administration is working tirelessly to broker a pause in Israel’s war against Hamas, allowing for the delivery of supplies and the safe release of hostages. However, the White House has faced mounting criticism from Arab Americans over its continued support for Israel amidst the rising casualties in Gaza since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7.
During the meeting, President Biden emphasized the importance of finding a resolution, stating, “The key elements of the deal are on the table…there are gaps that remain.” He reassured that the United States would do everything possible to facilitate an agreement, including a pause in fighting for at least six weeks and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
According to a senior U.S. administration official, weeks of shuttle diplomacy and phone conversations have laid the groundwork for a potential deal. The official noted that Israeli military pressure on Hamas in Khan Younis has brought the militant group closer to accepting an agreement.
King Abdullah II praised President Biden’s leadership in addressing the conflict and highlighted the devastating impact on civilians in Gaza. “We need a lasting cease-fire now,” the king emphasized. Jordan and other Arab states have been highly critical of Israel’s actions and have refrained from expressing support for long-term planning until the fighting ceases. They have been calling for a cease-fire since mid-October as civilian casualties continue to rise.
President Biden’s stance marks a significant departure from his previous position, as he has opposed a permanent cease-fire. The administration has insisted that Hamas should not retain political or military control over Gaza after the war, aiming to prevent a repeat of the October 7 attack that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the hostage-taking of approximately 250 individuals.
Biden reiterated his warning to Israel, urging them not to launch a full-scale attack on Rafah, the last major stronghold of Hamas where over 1.3 million people are seeking shelter. He emphasized the need for plans to safeguard civilians in Rafah from harm’s way. While acknowledging that there may be legitimate military targets for Israel in Rafah, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stressed the importance of protecting innocent lives during military operations. The United States is uncertain whether there is a feasible plan to relocate civilians out of Rafah to allow for military operations.
In addition to discussing the Gaza war, President Biden and King Abdullah II also touched upon the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden expressed his hope for a two-state solution and emphasized the need for the Palestinian Authority to urgently reform and be prepared to assume some authorities in Gaza if Hamas is removed from power. Abdullah stressed that the separation of the West Bank and Gaza cannot be accepted.
The meeting between President Biden and King Abdullah II holds particular significance as it is their first encounter since three American troops were killed in a drone strike against a U.S. base in Jordan. Biden attributed the deaths to Iran-backed militias, marking the first casualties for the U.S. after months of attacks by such groups on American forces across the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
President Biden had initially planned to visit Jordan during his trip to Israel in October after Hamas’ attack. However, the trip was canceled. On his way back from Israel, Biden announced that he had helped broker the first temporary pause in fighting and the opening of the crossing in Rafah for humanitarian aid. Since then, members of his administration have made multiple trips to the region to engage with leaders and work towards a resolution.
As the discussions between President Biden and King Abdullah II continue, hopes are high for a lasting cease-fire and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The world watches anxiously, awaiting a resolution to this devastating conflict.
