Jordan
It was set to be a focal point of US President Joe Biden’s Middle East visit on Wednesday. It involved a journey to Jordan to engage with various Arab leaders amidst Israel’s ongoing airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
However, Jordan abruptly canceled the Biden’s trip following a devastating explosion at Gaza City’s al-Ahli Arab Hospital. The tragic war crime claimed at least 500 lives and prompting global outrage.
Palestinian officials have accused Israel of targeting the hospital.
Jordan’s decision to scrap the summit highlights a long and intricate history with Israel, dating back to the founding of the Israeli state and continuing to shape regional dynamics.
Despite decades of official war, the two neighboring nations have maintained sporadic contact, ultimately leading to the signing of a peace treaty in 1994. Nevertheless, their relationship has remained uneasy, perpetually overshadowed by the Palestinian quest for statehood and justice.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Defense has designated around 2000 troops for potential deployment in support of Israel. These troops, hailing from various branches of the US armed services, will primarily offer advisory and medical assistance.
The Wall Street Journal, an American newspaper has disclosed this on Tuesday.
Currently, they are stationed in different regions, including the Middle East and Europe. It’s essential to clarify that these troops are not slated for combat roles, and US officials have not placed any on standby for immediate deployment.
The specific circumstances triggering the deployment of these troops and their ultimate destination remain uncertain, as outlined by The Wall Street Journal.
During an interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” President Joe Biden was queried about the possibility of US troops engaging in combat during the Israel-Hamas conflict. He expressed his belief that such involvement was unnecessary, noting the robust capabilities of Israel’s own military forces.
The US Department of Defense confirmed that Secretary Lloyd Austin had discussions with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant concerning Israel’s response to the Hamas attack. The US conveyed its steadfast commitment to Israel’s defense and its resolve to deter any state or non-state actors from escalating the conflict.
