President Biden’s Decision to Temporarily Halt Deportation of Palestinians from the US: A Humanitarian Move Amidst the Worsening Crisis in Gaza and West Bank

Introduction

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has been a source of concern for the international community for decades. The situation in the Gaza Strip and West Bank has worsened in recent months, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has put immense pressure on the United States and its allies to take action. In response to this, on February 14, 2024, President Joe Biden issued an order to temporarily halt the deportation of Palestinians from the US for 18 months. This move was made to protect Palestinians in the US from being forced to return to dangerous conditions in their homeland.

Background

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has been ongoing since the late 1800s, with tensions escalating in the mid-1900s. The situation reached a boiling point in May 2023, when clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Jerusalem and Gaza led to widespread violence and destruction. Thousands of Palestinians and Israelis have been killed or injured, and the situation has resulted in a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Pressure on the US

The US has faced mounting pressure from Democrats and pro-Palestinian groups to take action to reign in Israel and to quit providing military assistance. More than 100 Democratic lawmakers called on the White House to use either deferred enforced departure or a similar authority, called temporary protected status, to ensure that Palestinians currently in the US would not be forced to return to dangerous conditions in Gaza.

The Humanitarian Crisis

The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is dire. Thousands of civilians remain in danger, and many have been displaced from their homes. The UN has reported that more than 28,000 Palestinians have been killed in the last four months in Gaza. The conditions in Gaza are not getting better, and this is something that is welcome and needed.

The Temporary Halt on Deportation

President Biden’s decision to temporarily halt the deportation of Palestinians from the US for 18 months was a humanitarian move aimed at protecting Palestinians in the US from being forced to return to dangerous conditions in their homeland. The order was issued under the Deferred Enforcement Departure program, which allows the president to delay the removal of certain individuals from the US for humanitarian reasons.

Eligibility and Exceptions

Those eligible for the program will be offered work permits, and those not eligible include people who have voluntarily returned to the Palestinian territories, anyone convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the US, those subject to extradition, and anyone who poses a public safety danger or whose presence in the US would have adverse foreign policy consequences for the country.

Reactions

The move has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the decision as a humanitarian move aimed at protecting Palestinians in the US from being forced to return to dangerous conditions in their homeland. Others have criticized the decision, arguing that it will encourage more illegal immigration and that the US should focus on securing its borders.

Conclusion

President Biden’s decision to temporarily halt the deportation of Palestinians from the US for 18 months is a humanitarian move aimed at protecting Palestinians in the US from being forced to return to dangerous conditions in their homeland. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is dire, and this decision is a welcome and needed response to the ongoing crisis. However, the move has been met with mixed reactions, and it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and what the long-term implications will be. Regardless, it is clear that the situation in the Middle East requires urgent attention and action from the international community.