In recent days, hundreds of people gathered near the White House in a display of solidarity with Palestine, just as President Joe Biden prepared to deliver his annual State of the Union address. The gathering, noted by observers, took place several blocks from the president’s residence on Pennsylvania Avenue as supporters sought to connect with the presidential convoy on its route from Congress to the White House. Police presence was visible, yet officials did not move to disperse the crowd. (Attribution: TASS)
Earlier discussions in the region centered on questions of responsibility for the Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, with voices urging accountability for violence and casualties. The broader context remains a topic of debate among international observers and regional stakeholders as events unfold. (Attribution: TASS)
The conflict in the Middle East intensified on October 7 when thousands of armed militants affiliated with Hamas crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel had entered a state of war. The stated objectives of Israel’s response included neutralizing the attack, freeing more than 200 hostages including foreigners, and dismantling Hamas. In pursuing these goals, Israel launched large-scale rocket strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip from the outset of the operation. Concurrently, Israel’s National Security Council decided to suspend the delivery of water, food, electricity, and other essential supplies to the Gaza region. (Attribution: TASS)
In the political arena, former President Trump publicly criticized President Biden’s State of the Union address while it was being broadcast, adding another layer to the ongoing national discourse. (Attribution: TASS)