Jeremy Bowen analyzes the challenging task that Joe Biden faces in finding a solution for the Middle East.

Even before the destruction of Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza, Joe Biden's strong support for Israel had convinced Palestinians and many other Arabs that the United States was not just Israel's biggest supporter, but also complicit in its actions in Gaza, including the killing of children. The dispute over who was responsible for the attack will not change many minds, as twelve days of war have only intensified hatred and division. Israel has provided evidence to refute accusations that it attacked Al-Ahli, claiming that a malfunctioning missile fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad fell short of its target in Israel. However, for Palestinians, the piles of body bags were proof enough of Israel's disregard for their lives. The destruction of the hospital came just as President Biden was gearing up to visit the Middle East, but his plans were disrupted. Jordan cancelled its meeting with Biden in light of the attack, and the President faces a difficult trip as he may not achieve much in terms of negotiation or deal-making. In addition to supporting Israel and urging them to observe the laws of war, Biden also wants to prevent the conflict from spreading. He has already deployed two aircraft carrier battle groups to the eastern Mediterranean to show Iran and Hezbollah that the US is prepared to intervene if necessary. The war between Hamas and Israel has shattered many assumptions and certainties in the region, plunging leaders into unknown territory. Prior to the Hamas attacks in Israel, the region seemed to be in a status quo of stability, albeit one that was disliked by leaders. Palestinians were surprised by Hamas's attack, as some had criticized the group for deviating from its role as an Islamic Resistance Movement. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been condemned for his handling of the situation and for failing to protect Israelis. Another illusion shattered was Netanyahu's belief that the Palestinians could be managed without granting them independence. He sought to undermine the Palestinian Authority and avoid making concessions necessary for peace. This war has also reminded Arab allies of the importance of the Palestinian issue, as Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE had each established peace treaties or normalized relations with Israel. They were hoping to benefit from Biden's plans to broker a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but now that seems unlikely. For Arab leaders, the war and the attack on the hospital evoke nightmares of the Arab uprisings in 2011, triggered by the self-immolation of a Tunisian market trader. If the death of one man could spark revolutions, then the war in Gaza, with thousands of Palestinian civilian casualties, could have even greater consequences. The certainties and assumptions of the past have been shattered, and the new status quo will emerge from the war. It remains to be seen whether this shock will lead to new thinking or reinforce old ways, but the outlook is bleak.