President Joe Biden is set to embark on a historic visit to Israel on Wednesday, October 18, demonstrating unwavering support as the United States aims to prevent the escalating conflict in Gaza from spilling over into a regional crisis.
The visit comes shortly after Hamas fighters from Gaza breached Israel's heavily fortified border, resulting in casualties, including civilians.
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US President Joe Biden set to visit Israel amid crisis. Photo: CNN[/caption]
In response, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza and deployed a significant number of troops to the border, preparing for a potential ground offensive.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that President Biden's visit serves as a statement of solidarity with Israel and a firm commitment to its security.
The United States has already dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean to deter potential hostilities against Israel.
Iran has issued warnings of possible "pre-emptive action" against Israel, and it has consistently cautioned against a ground invasion of Gaza.
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that "the resistance leaders" would not permit Israel to act without restraint in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Israel reported the elimination of four militants attempting to infiltrate Lebanon and launched strikes on what they described as Hezbollah "terrorist" targets in the country.
While demonstrating support for Israel, President Biden also aims to influence Israel's military response discreetly, especially as criticism mounts regarding the devastating impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians.
Israeli airstrikes have targeted senior Hamas figures and the organization's headquarters, according to the military.
However, the conflict has led to significant Palestinian civilian casualties, the destruction of entire neighbourhoods, and dwindling supplies of essential resources like food, water, and fuel,
CNN reports.
Israel has urged residents of northern Gaza to relocate to the south, with the intention of clearing the area of civilians in preparation for a potentially perilous urban ground assault. An Israeli military spokesman expressed uncertainty about how Biden's visit might affect the timing of this operation.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has reported that over one million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes since the conflict began ten days ago.
The World Health Organization's regional director, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, warned of a looming catastrophe in Gaza, with limited access to essential resources.
Germany cautions Iran
Meanwhile,
Germany has issued a warning to Iran, urging the nation to refrain from exacerbating the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Islamist militant group Hamas.
The caution came following a meeting between Iran’s foreign minister and high-ranking Hamas officials.
https://twitter.com/bhadrauli/status/1714219041018290207
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