Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced his intention to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before Congress, signalling strong GOP support amidst growing tensions in Gaza where the death toll has surpassed 30,000. The move contrasts with Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for Israeli elections and his criticism of Netanyahu’s leadership, particularly concerning the planned ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza. Schumer, however, expressed bipartisanship in welcoming Netanyahu’s potential address.

Netanyahu’s will to push forward with military actions in Gaza, even against President Joe Biden’s cautions, has stirred controversy, with Schumer pointing out the implications for civilian lives and Israel’s international relations. The Republican invitation aligns with past dynamics, reminiscent of Netanyahu’s 2015 Congress address which stirred division over Iran’s nuclear deal discussions.

Amidst political discrepancies, funding debates for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees have emerged, with nations like Australia, Sweden, and Canada reviving their support despite prior concerns over terrorist affiliations.

Parallel to the US domestic political scene, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged European Union leaders to apply international law consistently across crises, including Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza. Calls for a ceasefire and concerns over double standards in the EU’s approach to international conflict were voiced, urging a united and principled EU response.

This ongoing situation encapsulates the complexities of US-Israel relations, the internal divisions within US politics over foreign policy decisions, and the broader international community’s struggle for a unified stance on global humanitarian issues.