Biden’s Visit to Israel: A Call for Restraint and Humanitarian Action, 19 OCT

 Biden’s Visit to Israel: A Call for Restraint and Humanitarian Action, 19 OCT

The American president’s recent visit to Israel was a mission of diplomacy, carrying a message of restraint and a call for humanitarian action. It was also a gesture of support, a firm hand extended to a long-standing ally in the face of a protracted conflict.

From 9/11 to Gaza: A Plea for Restraint

During his visit, Biden urged Israel not to let its reaction be driven by rage, drawing a chilling parallel to the mistakes the US made following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The echoes of the past seemed to hang in the air as Biden made his plea, a plea born out of hard lessons learned. In the aftermath of 9/11, America, driven by anger and grief, launched an invasion of Iraq that resulted in countless civilian casualties and a lasting impact on the region’s stability.

The cautionary tale served as a reminder for Israel: to act with clarity and avoid the excesses that could lead to unnecessary loss of life and squander global sympathy. It was a call for restraint, a plea to not let overwhelming grief or anger push the country too far.

Humanitarian Aid: A Lifeline for Gaza

Alongside his call for restraint, Biden made an urgent plea for Israel to allow emergency aid into Gaza. He warned that Israel risked losing credibility worldwide if it did not alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza. Following his appeal, Biden announced a deal to allow the first humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza, with Egypt’s president agreeing to open the Rafah crossing for up to 20 trucks of aid.

However, aid agencies have warned that this might be too little, too late. Gaza’s population, heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance, faces a dire situation. The ongoing conflict and blockade have left basic supplies such as water, fuel, and electricity scarce. The initial convoy of 20 trucks is seen as a drop in the ocean of need, and aid agencies have warned of health disasters and starvation if sufficient aid is not delivered promptly.

A Delicate Balance

Despite the show of support and call for humanitarian action, Biden’s visit was not without controversy. The president endorsed Israel’s denial of responsibility for a catastrophic explosion that struck a hospital in Gaza, causing skepticism in the Arab world. This highlights the delicate balance required in the region, a balance between supporting an ally and maintaining credibility.

Overall, President Biden’s visit to Israel was a testament to the complexities of global diplomacy. It highlighted the need for restraint in times of conflict, the importance of humanitarian aid in crisis situations, and the delicate balance required in maintaining relationships while ensuring justice and credibility. As the dust settles in Gaza, it remains to be seen how Biden’s visit will impact the region and whether his calls for restraint and humanitarian action will be heeded.