President Joe Biden will travel to Israel on Wednesday, amid fears about the war with Hamas expanding into a larger conflict.

The US leader is expected to meet with Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and reaffirm the country’s solidarity with Israel, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said.

Announcing the travel plans, Mr Blinken said the president’s visit comes at a critical moment, where he will make clear that “Israel has the right and the duty to defend its people from Hamas and other terrorists and prevent future attacks”.

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After meeting with Israeli officials, President Biden is expected to travel to Amman to meet with King Abudllah II of Jordan, Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah al Sisi, and Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas.

Whilst in Israel, President Biden will also reiterate the “crystal clear message” to any state or non-state trying to “take advantage” of the current situation and attack Israel: “Don’t.”

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, President Biden said the US and Israel had agreed to develop a plan to enable humanitarian aid to reach civilians.

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Few details were given, but the plan would include “the possibility of creating areas to help keep civilians out of harm’s way”.

Israel is also set to brief the US leader on its war aims and how it will conduct operations in a way that minimises civilian casualties, and enables humanitarian assistance to get to Gaza without benefitting Hamas.

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