Washington DC

US President Joe Biden will pay a solidarity visit to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 18) following the Hamas attacks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel himself, announced on October 17.

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"The president will reaffirm United States solidarity with Israel and our ironclad commitment to its security," Blinken said early Tuesday after overnight talks in Tel Aviv with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Also read | Video: Hamas releases chilling footage of 'hurt and scared' hostage

Biden's scheduled visit coincides with a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and Israel's preparations for a potential ground assault against Hamas.

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This assault has been described by the American and Israeli officials in and beyond Washington and Tel Aviv as the most devastating attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

What does it mean?

President Biden's primary objective is to convey unequivocal support for Israel amid its ongoing state of war with Hamas.

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His Democratic administration has committed to supplying military aid, including deploying US carriers and delivering assistance to the region.

Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's spiralling humanitarian crisis

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They have expressed their intent to seek over $2 billion in additional aid from the US Congress, designated initially just for Ukraine (amid its ongoing war with Russia).

Biden's expected visit to include interactions with leaders from across West Asia

Blinken's announcement followed a marathon of discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other prominent Israeli officials.

Additionally, it was announced in Washington that President Biden would extend his travels to Jordan for meetings with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

President Biden had initially slated a visit to Pueblo, Colorado, for Monday, the Associated Press reported.

Biden instead opted to postpone the trip to engage in consultations with his advisors and engage in discussions with fellow global leaders regarding the evolving situation in West Asia.

After more than 1,300 Israelis were killed in an unprecedented attack by Hamas during the Oct 7-8 weekend, the retaliatory action from Israel has claimed the lives of over 2,800 Palestinians, an overwhelming of them in the Gaza Strip from where Hamas operates.

(With inputs from agencies)

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