'Joe Biden in the tinderbox': US president heads to Middle East amid Israel-Hamas war IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, October 18: Arab and Israeli papers spar over who was responsible for the strike on the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza that left hundreds dead. We also take a look at coverage of US President Joe Biden's last-minute trip to the Middle East, aimed both at reiterating Washington's support for Israel and establishing limits to its actions in Gaza. We finish with a look at how the latest developments reflect failed diplomatic efforts over the past several years.