SGGPO
US President Joe Biden will make a high-level visit to Israel on October 18, as Tel Aviv prepares to escalate its military offensive against Hamas.
According to Reuters, Mr. Biden's visit will mark a show of US support for its top ally in the Middle East after Hamas gunmen killed 1,300 people in a fierce attack through southern Israeli towns on October 7, the bloodiest day in Israel's 75-year history.
In response, Israel tightened its blockade of Hamas-run Gaza, including restricting fuel imports and bombarding the area with airstrikes. Thousands of Palestinians were killed and millions more were displaced.
 |
| Searching for survivors under rubble in Gaza Strip after Israeli air strikes. Photo: REUTERS |
President Biden's visit was announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after hours of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. According to Mr. Blinken, President Biden will hear from Israel what they need and the White House will work with Congress to meet those needs.
Mr. Blinken said Mr. Biden will meet with Mr. Netanyahu, reaffirm Washington's commitment to Israel's security and receive a comprehensive briefing on the country's wartime goals and strategy. According to Mr. Blinken, during the talks with Mr. Netanyahu, the two sides agreed to develop a plan to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians.
After visiting Israel, President Biden will travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said US national security spokesman John Kirby.
Source
Comment (0)