In a critical development amid escalating conflict in Gaza, President Joe Biden met with families of U.S. hostages held by Hamas, demonstrating the urgency of the situation. The international community is witnessing growing outrage over Israel’s military campaign, prompting Biden to express concern over the “indiscriminate bombing” that he believes is eroding Israel’s international support.
On Tuesday, the U.N. General Assembly voted 153 to 10 in favor of a humanitarian cease-fire, a move met with opposition from the U.S. and Israel. President Biden’s criticism of Israel’s military operations represents a noteworthy shift, marking the first signs of discord with a traditionally strong U.S. ally.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, undeterred by international pressure and facing the deadliest combat losses since late October, declared a resolute commitment to persist in the offensive against Hamas. Netanyahu asserted, “We are continuing until the end, there is no question… Nothing will stop us, we will continue until the end, until victory, nothing less.”
The hostage crisis further intensifies the complexity of the situation, with seven American men believed to be among the 137 hostages held in Gaza. One American woman remains unaccounted for, adding a poignant dimension to the unfolding conflict. Hamas has released four American hostages, including two during a recent week-long cease-fire.
President Biden’s meeting with the families of the hostages aimed to address concerns and convey support. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of Israeli American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, expressed gratitude, stating, “We could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration.”
The recent hacking of the Israeli military’s website by a group calling itself “Anonymous Jo” underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by all parties involved. The hackers cited opposition to the army’s actions in Gaza, issuing a warning of retaliation through various means, including electronic warfare.
As the conflict unfolds, the toll on both sides becomes increasingly evident. In a two-day Israeli military raid in the West Bank, at least seven Palestinians lost their lives. Meanwhile, the strained healthcare infrastructure in Gaza faces unprecedented challenges, with 11 out of 36 hospitals partially functional, admitting new patients amid soaring occupancy rates.
The World Health Organization has called for the protection of healthcare and humanitarian assistance in Gaza, citing delays at military checkpoints and an alarming incident where paramedics transporting severely ill patients were temporarily detained, with one held at gunpoint.
In the midst of these complex developments, President Biden’s commitment to bringing every hostage home echoes his earlier statement at a White House Hanukkah celebration. However, some relatives reported feeling snubbed from the event and received invitations to meet with Biden separately.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the intertwined issues of hostages, international criticism, and humanitarian concerns underscore the challenges in finding a resolution to the crisis in Gaza. The world watches closely as diplomatic efforts and global pressure seek to address the deepening complexities of the situation.