The Guardian view on Biden’s urgent mission: the US pivots back to the Middle East | Editorial

Thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have been killed in little over a week, and the risk of the violence spreading is immense

In the wake of the carnage wrought by Hamas in southern Israel, killing at least 1,300 people; with bombs still raining upon Gaza, having killed more than 3,000; and with 199 children and adults still held hostage, the horror is increased by the prospect of this violence begetting more.

The US hopes two aircraft carrier groups in the eastern Mediterranean, non-stop shuttle diplomacy by the secretary of state and a presidential visit to Israel will see off the twin spectres of even greater humanitarian disaster in Gaza and regional catastrophe. Yet hours before Joe Biden's trip to the Middle East came reports that hundreds had died in a blast on a Gaza hospital. Jordan has already cancelled its summit with him. While visiting Israel sends the message that the US is a staunch ally, and may offer Benjamin Netanyahu a political lifeline, it was intended to rein him in, as well as Hezbollah and Iran. The US had reportedly agreed to the trip only after Israel agreed to move on humanitarian aid and safe areas for civilians to avoid the bombing.