Staff Reports
President Joe Biden proudly declared on Thursday that 74 American citizens with dual citizenship have been safely evacuated from the war-torn Gaza Strip. The announcement came as Biden held a meeting with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader in the Oval Office. Previously, the White House had estimated that around 500 to 600 U.S. citizens were trapped in Gaza since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7th.
The Biden administration has been working tirelessly to assist Americans in leaving the dangerous region, and their efforts are starting to show progress. In addition to the 74 dual citizens, five other Americans were also able to escape Gaza earlier this week. The administration remains optimistic that more U.S. citizens will be able to make their way out of the Strip, thanks in part to Qatar’s assistance in facilitating their departure.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is embarking on a frantic trip to the Middle East to negotiate with Israeli and Jordanian leaders. Blinken’s agenda is multifaceted, as he aims to address the pressing issues of evacuating foreigners from Gaza, providing humanitarian aid, curbing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, and protecting civilians. The Biden administration wants to minimize harm to all individuals in the conflict and has been vocal about their commitment to achieving peace in the region.
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Despite the criticism faced by Israel internationally for its response to the attacks, the United States continues to stand firmly by its ally. President Biden, while empathizing with the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis, has stressed the importance of Israel’s right to defend itself within the boundaries of international humanitarian law. However, the Biden administration is also urging Israel and its neighbors to consider the future of Gaza and how to establish an independent Palestinian state to ensure a lasting peace in the region.
As Blinken heads into the diplomatic firestorm, the U.S. government understands the delicate balance it needs to strike to maintain relationships with Arab nations. The Biden administration is well aware that failing to use its influence to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza could have severe consequences on its ties with the Arab world and the global community. The administration remains committed to finding a resolution to the conflict and providing assistance to those affected, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation.
