US National Security Adviser Seeks Balance in Middle East Diplomacy Amidst Gaza Conflict

President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is set to embark on a crucial mission to the West Bank this Friday. His primary objective is to underscore unwavering US support for Israel in its ongoing struggle against Hamas, all while encouraging the Israeli government to take significant measures to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.

According to a reliable source within the US government, Sullivan is scheduled to meet with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah during the second day of his regional visit. This follows Sullivan's previous discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key government figures on Thursday.

The official elaborated, stating that Sullivan's agenda includes discussions on various fronts such as efforts to promote stability in the West Bank, counterterrorism initiatives, support for the Palestinian Authority Security Forces through the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, ongoing revitalization efforts within the Palestinian Authority, and measures to hold extremist settlers accountable for violence against Palestinians.

Phil Gordon, the national security adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, had previously engaged with Abbas and other Palestinian leaders in a meeting held last week.

It is worth noting that the Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank, while Gaza is under the control of Hamas, positioning itself as an alternative to the PA.

Sullivan's meeting with Abbas takes place against the backdrop of a public disagreement between Biden and Netanyahu. The dispute revolves around the question of whether the Palestinian Authority should assume governing power in Gaza post the conclusion of Israel's conflict with Hamas. While the US has expressed the view that the Palestinian Authority should take on governance responsibilities in Gaza after the cessation of Israeli military operations, Netanyahu has consistently rejected this proposal.

This visit marks Sullivan's second to Israel since the deadly Hamas attack on October 7. Biden, increasingly vocal about the need for concrete steps to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza, has called on Netanyahu to reconsider his hardline stances.

In response to questions following a speech on prescription drug prices at the National Institutes of Health, Biden emphasized his desire for the Israeli government to remain focused on saving civilian lives while not relenting in their efforts against Hamas.

Biden stated, "I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives. Not stop going after Hamas, but be more careful."

The toll of the conflict has been severe, with approximately 1,200 people, including Israelis and foreign nationals, losing their lives during the October 7 attack by Hamas militants. In the subsequent Israeli response, over 18,000 people have been reported killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.