As concerns grow over the death toll in Gaza, the U.S. response is coming under scrutiny
Biden will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. (Miriam Alster/Pool via AP)
Yahoo News reports:
President Biden is trying to balance his administration’s support of Israel with growing concerns about the safety of civilians in the Gaza Strip as violence in the region continues to escalate.
Biden visited Israel on Wednesday and was scheduled to meet with Arab leaders in Jordan. However, the meeting was postponed after an explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza killed hundreds of Palestinian patients and refugees. While authorities in Gaza said the explosion was caused by an Israeli airstrike, Israeli authorities said it was caused by a failed Hamas rocket. Meanwhile, in Washington, Arab American groups and some Biden administration aides have expressed frustration with the White House’s approach to the conflict.
A few hours after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel that killed more than 1,400 people, including at least 31 U.S. citizens, Biden reiterated his support for Israel, saying: “In the face of these terrorist attacks, the United States stands the side of the Israeli people.” Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. Period.” Biden repeated those comments in subsequent days, saying at an event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Wednesday: “We will continue to have Israel’s back as you work to defend your people.”
Biden’s initial response to the attacks was praised by many Democrats and Republicans alike. According to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll, 52% of Democrats say Biden’s response to the situation was “about right,” with just 15% saying it was “too pro-Israel.” (41% of Republicans said the president’s response was “not pro-Israel” enough.) Overall, 67% of Americans now believe “contributing to the protection of Israel” is an important goal of “U.S. policy toward the Middle East.” East”. 12 points out of 55% in May 2021.
However, the White House has also come under increasing scrutiny from a range of groups, including progressive lawmakers and Arab American leaders, over its handling of the crisis. More than 3,300 deaths have been reported in Gaza since Israel began its retaliatory strikes more than a week ago.