The Pentagon implicated Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the hospital explosion, a claim challenged by Hamas and Israel's Defense Forces. The U.S. National Security Council's analysis supported Israel's innocence, but questions remained.
Biden expressed willingness to involve the U.S. military and cautioned against repeating post-9/11 mistakes. Israel amassed ground troops near Palestinian territories but had not initiated an invasion.
The President emphasized the sanctity of human life and brokered a deal for humanitarian aid to Gaza from Egypt. He also sought $100 million in Congress for Palestinian humanitarian assistance.
His visit had regional repercussions, with protests targeting Western embassies and increased antisemitic incidents in some European cities.
In essence, President Biden's visit aimed to ease tensions, facilitate humanitarian aid, and promote restraint and respect for life in a complex and volatile conflict.