Mint Explainer: What’s on the cards as President Biden arrives in Israel

livemint.com:

US President Joe Biden landed in Israel on Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting comes after a series of terror attacks against Israel by militant group Hamas on October 7. Mint breaks down what’s at stake.

Since the Hamas attacks, Israel’s military has launched an airstrike campaign against the enclave of Gaza. Over 2,000 people have been killed so far in these airstrikes. Israel has also mobilised large numbers of troops and experts have speculated that it may be preparing for a ground invasion.

International bodies such the United Nations have warned of a possible humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which has seen its food, water and power supplies cut off by Israel. On Tuesday a deadly blast at a Gaza hospital reportedly killed hundreds of people. Israel has denied responsibility for the incident.

While accusations have flown thick and fast, the cause of the explosion remains in dispute. Biden expressed solidarity with Israel, condemning the Hamas attacks in no uncertain terms. A second US aircraft carrier strike group has been ordered into the region to prevent a regional escalation against Israel.

America has also looked to provide Israel with missile interceptors and ammunition it needs for its Iron Dome air defence system. Biden has also been in touch with other regional leaders on the issue. But while he has supported Israel’s right to take action against Hamas, he has also aired concerns that an Israeli occupation of Gaza could prove to be a mistake, and has pushed Israel to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza.