In a critical meeting between President Joe Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan, the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas took center stage, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding Biden's mental acuity. The meeting, which took place at the White House on Monday, aimed to address the Gaza crisis and find a lasting solution.

Amidst domestic pressure following the release of special counsel Robert Hur's report, which included embarrassing passages about the president's memory, Biden's age and mental capacity have become a key concern. Nevertheless, the president's supporters have pointed to his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict as evidence of his sharpness.

During a news conference following the release of the report, Biden expressed his latest criticism of Israel's response to the October 7 terror attack, deeming it "over the top." This stance aligns with King Abdullah's previous criticisms of Israel's campaign in Gaza, making their meeting in the West Wing significant.

The meeting between Biden and King Abdullah focused on discussing the ongoing situation in Gaza and efforts to find a lasting resolution. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that they would explore enhanced humanitarian assistance into Gaza and explore a two-state solution with Israel's security guaranteed.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who had firsthand experience working with Biden during the aftermath of the October 7 attack, emphasized the president's active involvement and acute attention to details. Rep. Daniel Goldman also praised Biden's sharpness when discussing the Middle East situation during a phone call.

However, the Jordanian government has called for more pressure on Israel over its campaign against Hamas, which has resulted in a significant humanitarian toll. In October, a planned four-way summit with Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority was canceled following a blast at Gaza's Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, causing fatalities among Palestinians.

The primary objective of the meeting was to achieve a cessation of fighting that would also entail the release of the remaining hostages, including 132 individuals captured during the October 7 attack. So far, 29 hostages have been reported dead. Biden engaged in extensive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning a potential deal for the hostages' release, although some gaps remain.

Efforts by the United States to pressure Israel into a "humanitarian pause" in its conflict with Hamas have yielded limited success. Netanyahu referred to recent ceasefire and hostage deal proposals by Hamas as "delusional." Despite this, Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that negotiations would continue, acknowledging the proposal's unrealistic elements.

The full Hamas response to the crisis outlines a three-phase plan including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, a significant humanitarian effort, and freedom of movement for people within Gaza. However, the prospects of reaching a comprehensive agreement remain uncertain.

The meeting between Biden and King Abdullah signifies the urgency and complexity of finding a solution to the Gaza crisis. While Biden's mental acuity continues to be scrutinized, his administration remains focused on resolving the conflict and providing assistance to the Palestinian people.