During a press conference with Jordanian King Abdullah, President Joe Biden's awkward behavior, including wandering around and struggling to find a marker, has drawn criticism. This comes after a series of gaffes, including forgetting the name of terror group Hamas and mixing up world leaders' names. Biden also faced scrutiny over a report questioning his mental faculties. The meeting aimed to broker a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Biden expressing support for a temporary pause in fighting and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Jordan's King Abdullah's visit to the White House highlighted the country's delicate position in the Israel-Hamas conflict, as it seeks to balance its close ties with the U.S. and its relationship with the Palestinian population. During the meeting, President Biden thanked Jordan for its humanitarian aid to Gaza and recognized its importance as a U.S. ally. Abdullah called for an end to the war and emphasized the need for a lasting ceasefire and aid delivery to Gaza. Jordan is vying for a role in Gaza's reconstruction and seeking U.S. military aid to bolster its air defense system. The country's stance on the conflict reflects its internal politics and demographic factors, with pressure to take a hard line against Israel due to its large Palestinian population. Despite discrepancies, Jordan is still looking to the U.S. for support.
Jordan's King Abdullah has warned against attempting to relocate Palestinian refugees to Jordan or Egypt, emphasizing that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank should be addressed within those territories. He stated that such a move would be a red line and accused certain parties of attempting to create de facto issues on the ground.