During his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden issued a direct plea to Israel, urging the country to facilitate the flow of aid into Gaza. Biden announced plans for the US military to establish a “temporary port” on the Gaza coast to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters.

Emphasizing Israel’s role, Biden stated, “Israel must do its part to allow more aid into Gaza and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.” This call for increased aid comes in response to a recent incident where over 100 Palestinians were killed as an Egyptian aid convoy faced violence while attempting to deliver supplies into Gaza.

The US has taken proactive measures, including airdropping aid into Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises. Biden also reiterated US support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing its importance for the security and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians.

However, Biden’s stance on Israel has faced scrutiny, particularly from progressive voices within the Democratic Party. Calls for a permanent cease-fire and potential restrictions on American military aid to Israel have emerged, reflecting the complexities of US-Israel relations amidst ongoing conflict.

The Biden administration remains supportive of efforts to secure a temporary cease-fire, contingent upon Hamas releasing Israeli hostages, as part of broader diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in the region.