The White House announced yesterday that President Joe Biden has signed an order protecting Palestinians in the United States from deportation for the next 18 months, citing the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.
A Biden administration official stated that this measure would make 6,000 Palestinians eligible for the “Temporary Protected Status” program.
Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to the White House, stated in a release that following the attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli military response, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza have significantly deteriorated.
Sullivan added that Biden’s move would provide Palestinians in the United States with “temporary safe haven,” noting that anyone voluntarily returning to Palestinian territories would lose the protection they currently enjoy.
More than four months after the outbreak of war, Biden faces pressure to make more efforts to protect Palestinians in Gaza and to bring aid into the region.
He also faces criticism from Arab Americans and Muslims for not calling for a permanent ceasefire in the conflict.
Abed Ayoub, the Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, stated in a release that there is an urgent need to take action to protect Palestinians in the United States.
“We see that the situation in Gaza and Palestine is not improving, the decision is welcome, and we are pleased to see it implemented,” Ayoub added.
Health officials in Gaza report that Israeli attacks on the Strip have killed at least 28,500 Palestinians since October 7.
Since the beginning of the Gaza war on October 7, the US stance has been predominantly supportive of Israel. President Biden’s remarks have emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself, particularly in the face of attacks from Hamas, which the U.S. and its Western allies consider a terrorist organization. Biden’s support was clearly articulated on October 7 when he affirmed the US solidarity with Israel, underscoring Israel’s entitlement to protect its citizens and sovereignty.
Following the October 7 attack by Hamas, the US has focused on providing substantial support to Israel, including military aid. For instance, Biden urged Congress to increase military aid to Israel shortly after visiting the country on October 19. He announced a substantial aid package totaling $14 billion as part of a broader $105 billion military support initiative. The Pentagon also deployed advanced missile defense systems to the Middle East, including THAAD and additional Patriot batteries, to bolster the region’s defense capabilities.
Throughout November and December, the US continued its support with significant military aid allocations. A notable instance was a Republican plan approved by the House of Representatives, allocating $14.5 billion in military aid to Israel. Furthermore, in December, the US supplied Israel with a wide array of munitions, including “bunker buster” bombs and thousands of artillery shells, to support its military operations in Gaza.
In terms of diplomatic actions, the US has vetoed resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire at the UN, highlighting its position against immediate cessation of hostilities without addressing the broader security concerns involving Hamas. This stance was maintained into January, with US officials reiterating unwavering support for Israel and dismissing allegations of deliberate war crimes by Israeli forces.
By February, the U.S. stance showed some evolution, with Biden labeling Israel’s actions in Gaza as “over the top” and emphasizing that military aid should be provided only to countries adhering to international law. This was accompanied by discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about potential military operations in Rafah, contingent on a credible plan being in place.