Biden Secures Aid for Gaza, Reportedly Authorizes Israeli Ground Invasion

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Joe Biden
Image copyright: The White House [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

  • Prior to departing Tel Aviv on Wednesday, US Pres. Joe Biden publicly appealed to Israel, urging it not to be consumed with rage in its response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Comparing Israel's situation to that faced by America in the years after the 9/11 attacks, Biden said that Washington "sought and got justice," but also "made mistakes."

  • Biden also pleaded with Israel to consider the plight of Palestinian civilians. "The Palestinian people are suffering greatly as well," Biden said, "and we mourn the loss of innocent Palestinian lives like the entire world. The people of Gaza need food, water, medicine and shelter."

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

At a time when further violence could erupt in the Middle East, Biden's visit to Israel showed great statesmanship and composure. While standing close to Israel as an ally, Biden reminded the country of its obligations as a democracy and facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Guardian

Establishment-critical narrative

Despite his public comments about the necessity of protecting Palestinians, by secretly giving his backing for an Israeli ground invasion, Biden has sold out the innocent civilians living in Gaza who were relying on US diplomacy for protection and ceasefire.

Times

Pro-Israel narrative

Though Biden's visit — which drew on US experiences after the 9/11 attacks — has warned Israel not to let rage dictate its response to the Hamas attacks, Washington evidently believes Israel's current military reaction is proportionate. Biden clearly said that "justice must be done" and has firmly backed Israel's right to go to war against Hamas.

The Times of Israel

Pro-Palestine narrative

Irrespective of politics, the Gaza Strip is still being bombarded by the Israeli military. As of Thursday, nearly 3.5K had been killed and over 12K were wounded. A further 1.3K remained trapped under the rubble. All of this chaos is occurring under a complete blockade that's lasted 11 days. The most pressing issue now is that the Gaza Strip is in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

Associated Press

Metaculus Prediction

Public figures in this story

Joe Biden

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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