US President Joe Biden Reportedly Will Visit Israel

US President Joe Biden/PHOTO via Instagram @potus

JAKARTA - United States President Joe Biden is expected to visit Israel on Wednesday, according to reports by Israeli television station Channel 12.

There has been no official confirmation from the White House -- Biden's office -- or from the Israeli government regarding Biden's visit, as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Monday, October 16.

On Sunday (15/10), Channel 12 reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended an invitation to Biden for the US president to pay a visit to Israel.

Biden's arrival in Israel, according to Netanyahu, will be proof of US solidarity amidst the war raging between Israel and Palestine.

Biden's previous visit to Israel was in July 2022.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Monday to hold meetings with a number of Israeli officials.a

Before going to Israel, Blinken visited Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Ten days after the conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas began to break out, Israel continued bombing and blockading the Gaza Strip.

UNRWA, the United Nations (UN) agency tasked with helping Palestinian refugees, said more than one million people in Gaza - almost half of the total population - were driven from the territory.

Gaza is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. There is no electricity in the area. Food, fuel and medical supplies are also starting to run out.

Meanwhile, many civilians were forced to flee to southern Gaza after Israel issued a warning that areas in the north be emptied of residents.

Fighting broke out when Hamas on October 7 launched Operation Al Aqsa Flood, which was a surprise attack on all fronts against Israel.

The Hamas attack was carried out through a barrage of rocket fire and the infiltration of its personnel into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas stated that the operation was carried out in retaliation for the attack on the Al Aqsa Mosque and because of increased violence by settlers.

Israel then launched Operation Iron Sword against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

The number of Palestinians killed in a series of Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 2,750 people, including 750 children.