President Joe Biden has been embroiled in controversy following remarks caught on a hot mic where he spoke of having a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This incident occurred after a top Israeli minister’s visit to Washington DC, which Netanyahu criticized. Amidst escalating tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden’s State of the Union address announced plans for a temporary US military pier on the Gaza coast to facilitate aid, urging Israel to increase aid access to Palestinians. The President faces criticism for his handling of the conflict, illustrated by protest votes in the Michigan Democratic primary and the presence of a Gazan woman, Intimaa Salama, who lost 35 family members, at the State of the Union address advocating for a ceasefire.

In a separate event, visual stories from around the world capture the arrival of spring in London with images of a parakeet and the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham. Political and social activities include visits by Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf to a childcare center and Labour leader Keir Starmer to a school in London. Meanwhile, President Biden’s third State of the Union address and its global reactions, including solidarity with Palestine in Belfast’s murals, are noted.

President Biden’s staunch support for Israel, despite longstanding concerns over the humanitarian impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict, underscores his foreign policy stance. Critics argue Biden’s approach, favoring strong ties with Israel, overlooks the pressing humanitarian issues in Gaza and the broader Middle East. Despite calls to halt US weapons shipments to Israel, Biden’s administration continues to navigate the delicate balance of supporting Israel while addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza, including the proposed construction of a temporary aid pier. Critics remain skeptical of the efficacy of these measures amidst ongoing violence.