The Biden administration is currently exploring potential measures to aid Palestinians residing in the United States who wish to reunite with family members from the conflict-ridden region. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre revealed on Wednesday that policy proposals are under review to provide support to Palestinians who are relatives of American citizens and seek to relocate to the U.S.
The proposed measures aim to assist legal permanent residents or U.S. citizens with family ties in the region. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has made it challenging for individuals to leave the Gaza Strip, where more than 34,000 Palestinians, including a significant number of children and women, have lost their lives according to local health authorities.
Despite warnings from the Biden administration against further military action, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated plans for a major operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Over 1.5 million people, representing over half of Gaza's population, have sought refuge in Rafah as the conflict persists.
If the U.S. proceeds with initiatives to aid Palestinian families in Gaza, coordination with Egypt would likely be necessary. During the early stages of the conflict, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt facilitated the evacuation of hundreds of Americans and other foreign nationals from Gaza.
Egypt and other Arab nations are concerned that an Israeli offensive could trigger a mass displacement of Palestinians into Sinai, a scenario deemed unacceptable. In a separate development, the Biden administration has granted 'deferred enforced departure' to Palestinian immigrants in the U.S., allowing them to remain in the country without deportation threats for a minimum of 18 months.
