New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to travel to Israel this week as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip grows more dire.
Civilians in Gaza are desperate to evacuate with aid being blocked at their borders. Food and water supplies are dwindling.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Biden’s travel plans as Israel prepares for a possible ground attack on the 141-square-mile (365-square-kilometer) territory to root out Hamas militants responsible for what U.S. and Israeli officials say was the most lethal assault against Jews since the Holocaust.
Biden is looking to send the strongest message yet that the U.S. is behind Israel. His Democratic administration has pledged military support, sending U.S. carriers and aid to the region. Officials have said they would ask Congress for upward of $2 billion in additional aid for both Israel and Ukraine, which is fighting Russia’s invasion.
It is unclear whether Biden and Hochul will cross paths during their trips.
“During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel,” Hochul said in a statement. “Tomorrow I’ll be traveling to Israel for a solidarity mission where I plan to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities who have been devastated by the horrific Hamas attacks.”
Israeli forces, supported by U.S. warships, recently positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle Hamas. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished neighborhoods but failed to stop militant rocket fire into Israel.
More than a million people fled their homes in the Gaza Strip ahead of the expected Israeli invasion that seeks to eliminate Hamas’ leadership after its deadly incursion. Aid groups warn an Israeli ground offensive could hasten a humanitarian crisis.
The war that began Oct. 7 has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides, with more than 4,100 dead. The Gaza Health Ministry said more than 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 9,700 wounded. Over 1,400 Israelis have been killed, and at least 199 others, including children, were captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to Israel.
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