President Joe Biden held a crucial meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Monday, highlighting ongoing efforts to broker a hostage release deal amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The discussions also encompassed concerns over Israel’s planned ground assault on the Gaza city of Rafah. The high-level talks, attended by senior foreign policy staff members, revolved around the evolving situation in Gaza and endeavors to secure the release of hostages.
President Biden underscored his direct engagement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as leaders in Egypt and Qatar, in a concerted effort to advance negotiations aimed at ending the ordeal of those held captive. Biden emphasized the urgent need for a six-week pause in hostilities to facilitate progress on this front.
“We don’t know how many are still alive. Their families’ anguish, week after week, month after month, is unimaginable. And it’s a top priority for the United States to bring them home,” remarked President Biden, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
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In addition to the hostage crisis, President Biden and King Abdullah II explored avenues for enhancing humanitarian assistance to Gaza and fostering conditions conducive to achieving lasting peace based on a two-state solution. Biden reiterated America’s commitment to Israel’s long-term security while expressing solidarity with efforts to defeat Hamas.
King Abdullah II echoed Biden’s sentiments and stressed the imperative of addressing the plight of Palestinians displaced from Gaza and the West Bank. Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive peace framework, Abdullah called for concerted international efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and chart a path toward a just resolution grounded in the principles of a two-state solution.
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The meeting between Biden and King Abdullah II marked their first encounter since the tragic loss of three American soldiers in a drone strike at a base in northeast Jordan last month. The U.S. has attributed the attack to militant groups backed by Iran. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden paid their respects to the fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, earlier this month.
Amidst diplomatic efforts, the Biden administration dispatched CIA Director William Burns to Egypt to facilitate negotiations. Intelligence officials from the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar have been actively involved in shaping a potential hostage release framework, which includes a proposed six-week ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and humanitarian aid provisions for Gaza.
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According to senior administration officials, significant progress has been made in the hostage negotiations, with a deal expected to materialize imminently. President Biden, in his recent conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, expressed reservations about Israel’s military plans for Rafah, citing concerns over civilian casualties.
While President Biden has privately voiced discontent with Netanyahu’s military strategy, he has reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel in public statements. The delicate diplomatic maneuvers underscore the Biden administration’s determination to navigate the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict while advancing efforts to secure the release of hostages and promote regional stability.
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