| 20 October 2023
| Christie Anto
In a significant shift from their initial agenda, US President Joe Biden, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, is set to host a summit aimed at conveying a message of unity in the face of escalating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The summit, held at the White House on Friday, serves as a testament to the enduring transatlantic partnership and the leaders' shared resolve to address pressing global crises.
Originally slated to concentrate on trade issues, the summit's focus has pivoted in response to the urgent need to address the ongoing strife in Ukraine and Israel's military campaign against Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza. As battles continue to rage in Ukraine and Israel's campaign extends, the potential for these conflicts to have far-reaching consequences across the Middle East looms large.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of collective action in her address, drawing parallels between Russia's aggression in Ukraine and Hamas's assault in Gaza. She emphasized that "these two crises, however different, call on Europe and America to take a stand together" as a means to "shelter our democracies."
The leaders are united in their determination to prevent further escalations in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the possible involvement of the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. A top EU official, speaking anonymously, stressed the need for the summit to "send clear unified messages to all parties in the conflict."
Foremost on the agenda is the leaders' commitment to providing unwavering support for Ukraine, a nation embroiled in a devastating war. President Biden, fresh from a visit to Tel Aviv, addressed the American people to rally support for both Israel and Ukraine. In response to a political impasse in Congress, the President is making an urgent request for up to $100 billion in security aid for both nations, emphasizing the common threat of Hamas and Putin. He stated that "Hamas and Putin represent different threats but they share this in common; they both want to annihilate a neighboring democracy."
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, resulting in the tragic loss of over 1,400 lives, with the majority being civilians. In retaliation, Israeli bombardments have taken more than 3,700 lives in the Gaza Strip, predominantly civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza.
Amidst the turmoil, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are underscoring the necessity to prevent the regional spillover of the conflict and deliver essential humanitarian aid to Gaza. They emphasize the responsibility of world leaders to avoid further escalation in the region.
Prime Minister Sunak is slated to travel to Egypt to stress the importance of regional stability and the prevention of further civilian casualties. During his visit to Jerusalem, he sought to facilitate negotiations for the release of captives held by Hamas and enhance the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Furthermore, during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Sunak encouraged Saudi Arabia to employ its regional leadership to promote stability in the tumultuous Middle East.
As leaders from the United States and the European Union come together to address the pressing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, their message of unity stands as a beacon of hope amidst the turbulent challenges facing the international community. The summit not only underscores the unwavering commitment to democracy but also serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership in times of crisis.
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