In a meeting at the White House on Monday, President Joe Biden and Jordan’s King Abdullah II discussed how to bring an end to the months-long war between Israel and Hamas, as well as plans for what comes next. Biden expressed his commitment to making an agreement happen, involving a six-week pause in fighting and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas. A senior U.S. official stated that there is essentially a framework in place for a deal, with Israeli military pressure on Hamas aiding in bringing the militant group closer to accepting an agreement.
King Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for a lasting cease-fire, while noting the tens of thousands of civilians killed and wounded in the conflict. The meeting between Biden and King Abdullah comes amid growing criticism from Arab Americans over the continuing U.S. support for Israel in the face of rising casualties in Gaza. Biden’s stance represents a subtle shift, as he has continued to oppose a permanent cease-fire and insisted that Hamas not retain control over Gaza after the war. The president also discussed the need for the Palestinian Authority to reform in preparation to assume some authorities in Gaza if Hamas is removed from power, in order to build a state that accepts peace and does not harbor terrorist groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Biden and King Abdullah’s meeting also served as the first step in the wake of the first meeting between the allies since three American troops were killed in a drone strike against a U.S. base in Jordan last month. The deaths were blamed on Iran-backed militias by Biden, marking the first for the U.S. after months of strikes by such groups against American forces across the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The meeting comes after Biden’s involvement in brokering a temporary pause in fighting and opening the crossing in Rafah to humanitarian aid back in October. Members of the administration have since engaged with leaders in the region to seek a resolution to the conflict.
