After expressing his outrage over a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital, President Joe Biden has confirmed a change in his travel plans to the Middle East.
What Happened: According to The Hill, President Biden was in touch with Jordanian and Israeli leaders following the devastating explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza.
Biden declared his distress and anger over the incident after his departure on Air Force One, saying, “I am outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted.” He has directed his national security team to investigate the incident, after speaking with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) condemned the strike on the hospital and called it an “unspeakable crime.” He also said that the murder of Israeli civilians by Hamas militants was also an unspeakable crime, reported The Hill separately.
“These unspeakable crimes must stop now. The bombs and missiles from both sides must end, massive humanitarian aid must be rushed to Gaza, and the hostages must be returned to their families.”
Following the explosion, which resulted in numerous deaths, demonstrations took place throughout the Middle East. The explosion occurred amidst heavy Israeli aerial bombardment over the past week, impacting patients seeking treatment.
The cause of the explosion is disputed, with Hamas and several Arab nations attributing it to an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli Defense Forces suggest it was a misfired rocket from a Palestinian militant group.
Originally, President Biden planned to visit Israel on Wednesday to show support following recent terrorist attacks by Hamas. However, his planned meetings with leaders of Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority have been canceled following the hospital explosion.
Why It Matters: This incident marks an escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As reported by Benzinga.
Before this incident, President Biden was scheduled to travel to the Middle East to address the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis.
As per a previous report by Benzinga, his visit was intended to express solidarity with Israel in the face of Hamas’s attacks and to address urgent humanitarian needs in Jordan. However, the hospital explosion has led to a change in his travel plans.
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