The United States of America (USA) is striving to persuade Israel to reduce its military actions in the Gaza War. This marks a critical challenge for the Biden administration, and its success could shape the war’s trajectory and impact the president’s domestic political standing.
In public, the American effort to form and confine Israel’s war has taken the form of advice rather than pressure.
The escalation of the conflict prompted US officials to emphasize the importance of safeguarding civilians, cautioning that neglecting this aspect could lead Israel to face a “strategic defeat.”
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However, globally, this approach is perceived as ineffective in curbing a severe and devastating bombing campaign, one of the deadliest and most destructive of this century.
US officials insist their plan has been the most active way for the administration to influence an Israel traumatized by the unparalleled Hamas attack and disinclined to hold back.
Yet American policy since that day has fractured Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, lost him crucial support among young and Arab Americans, and left the US looking isolated on the world stage.
President Biden’s approach has shown tangible but limited progress. Persistent diplomacy facilitated some humanitarian aid into Gaza early in the conflict and led to a seven-day ceasefire, aiming to secure hostage releases and aid for civilians in need.
US Pushes for Gaza War Change Amid Criticism
The US is actively involved, with top officials engaging in direct discussions in the region. These visits, as described by a US official, are vital for addressing ongoing matters alongside Israel. Secretary Blinken’s frequent trips have been robust, focusing on hostage release, aid enhancement, and preventing wider conflict in the Middle East.
However, despite assurances from Israel, Secretary Blinken pointed out a “gap” between intentions and outcomes. The administration’s crucial task in the coming month is to convince Israel to alter the war’s dynamics by advocating reduced military operations in Gaza and emphasizing tactics that protect civilians.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hasn’t publicly supported this request, the defense minister mentioned a transition in the war’s phases. Critics of the American strategy argue that its cautious approach aligns with Israel’s actions. They propose a more assertive stance, urging the US to influence Israel to curtail its excessive military campaign, utilizing American military aid as leverage to manage Israeli actions.
Biden Faces Pressure Over Israel Policy Amid Election Concerns
As the 2024 election nears, support for the Biden administration among key coalition members is dwindling. A sizable portion of young voters align more with Palestinians than Israelis, and prominent Democrats are pushing for actions against Israel’s conduct.
Senator Bernie Sanders is sponsoring a resolution criticizing Israel’s action, and House Democrats have challenged Netanyahu’s military strategy. Dissent within Biden’s administration, including calls for a ceasefire, reflects widespread discontent with current policies.
This creates a tough situation for the president displeasing either side risks backlash. The need to de-escalate Israel’s offensive is critical. Failure to do so swiftly may force Biden to reconsider his approach, especially with domestic politics becoming increasingly influential in foreign policy decisions. The Gaza War poses a significant challenge to Biden’s promised stability after the tumultuous Trump era.
The religious reason behind this attack
The conflict in Gaza delves beyond politics into deep-rooted religious motivations, particularly within Judaism and Islam. For Jews, the arrival of the Messiah hinges on specific conditions: the gathering of Jews worldwide in Israel, the establishment of a sovereign Jewish state, and the construction of the Third Temple where the Sulaimani Temple once stood.
After World War II, the first two conditions were seemingly met with the State of Israel’s establishment and the gathering of Jews. Now, attention turns to the third condition—the construction of the Third Temple, a point of contention involving the fate of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Islamic interpretation also intertwines with these beliefs, referencing Moses’ command to slaughter a cow as mentioned in the Qur’an. It introduces the concept of the Dajjal, associated with the Messiah in Jewish belief, who is prophesied to wield global control.
At the heart of the conflict lies a clash over sacred sites and their significance in fulfilling these prophecies, amplifying the complexity of the ongoing tensions in the region.
UN Gaza Aid Resolution Draws Criticism for Lack of Ceasefire Call
The United Nations Security Council approved a Gaza aid resolution that lacked a ceasefire call, sparking criticism for being insufficient. Adopted with 13 votes in favor and US and Russian abstentions, it urged steps for a sustained halt to hostilities and immediate, safe aid delivery. This resolution followed tough negotiations to satisfy Washington, which had vetoed an earlier ceasefire call.
Despite being legally binding, past non-compliance raises concerns over its effectiveness. The resolution’s reception remains mixed, with humanitarian agencies stating it falls short of addressing Gaza’s pressing needs amid the conflict.
