President Biden, after meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, urged Israel to avoid a major ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah without a credible plan to protect over a million people sheltering there. King Abdullah sought international support for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. Biden has rejected a general cease-fire but pushed for a pause in fighting to allow for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Both leaders emphasized the need for a two-state solution to end the conflict. The situation in Rafah is dire, and an Israeli invasion would only worsen the humanitarian crisis. The United States is working to influence Israel’s conduct in the war, but no major policy changes have been signaled. The conflict must end, and a lasting cease-fire is urgently needed. Source: www.nytimes.com
