BEN GURION AIRPORT: US President Joe Biden visited Israel to show support during the Gaza war. He arrived at Ben Gurion Airport and received a warm welcome from Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
Biden affirmed solidarity with Israel in its conflict with Hamas and accepted Israel’s assertion that a Gaza hospital explosion was caused by Hamas. The incident at Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital disrupted Biden’s diplomatic mission, leading to the cancellation of a planned summit with Arab leaders.
Palestinian officials blamed an Israeli airstrike for the blast, claiming a high number of casualties, while Israel attributed it to a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which denied responsibility.
During a joint appearance with Netanyahu, Biden expressed sorrow and outrage over the hospital explosion. He acknowledged uncertainty about the incident but emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges.
Biden’s Middle East trip aimed to calm the region while demonstrating U.S. support for Israel.
However, the hospital blast led to the cancellation of the second part of Biden’s itinerary, including a planned summit with leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority.
Despite the disruption, Netanyahu thanked Biden for unwavering support, and President Herzog expressed gratitude, saying, “God bless you for protecting the nation of Israel.”
The situation highlighted the scrutiny faced by the U.S. in determining its response and the complexities involved in addressing the ongoing conflict.
