On Wednesday, President Joe Biden denounced the weekend assault by Hamas militants on Israel, characterizing it as the most tragic day for Jews since the Holocaust, as the count of U.S. citizens who lost their lives in the conflict reached a minimum of 22.
“This attack was a campaign of pure cruelty — not just hate, but pure cruelty — against the Jewish people,” Biden told Jewish leaders gathered at the White House.
In a strong show of support for Israel, the US President expressed, “We are closely monitoring the situation in Israel, and my team and I, including the Vice President, had another conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning. My dedication to the security of Israel and the safety of the Jewish people is unwavering. The United States stands firmly with Israel, and our commitment extends beyond today.”
Earlier, President Biden met with Jewish community leaders, reiterating his steadfast backing for Israel amidst the ongoing terrorist attacks. Additionally, the US is providing further military assistance to the Israeli Defence Force, which includes ammunition and interceptors to bolster the Iron Dome.
Biden expresses shock at the atrocities caused by the attack
Hamas operatives have captured multiple hostages and issued threats to harm them unless Israel provides advance warnings to civilians before launching attacks on Gaza. President Biden has confirmed that some of these hostages are U.S. citizens.
Characterising the Hamas actions as an “egregious act of evil,” he expressed his profound disbelief at encountering disturbing images of terrorists beheading children.
President Biden condemned the Hamas assaults on innocent civilians as “appalling,” highlighting the brutal acts such as parents sacrificing themselves to shield their children, young individuals being massacred during a peaceful musical festival, and women enduring rape, assault, and humiliation as trophies.
In a stern message to any nation, organisation, or entity considering taking advantage of the situation, the U.S. President issued a resolute warning: “Do not even contemplate it.”
Necessary actions need to be taken-
Previously, the U.S. President affirmed his administration’s “steadfast and unwavering” backing of Israel. The United States has initiated an extensive worldwide diplomatic effort to secure backing for Israel and implement essential measures against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Emphasising that Hamas’ actions in Israel constitute acts of terrorism, Biden drew parallels with the “most horrific acts of ISIS.” He described it as “appalling” and equated the brutality of Hamas to the worst atrocities committed by ISIS. “This is terrorism. Regrettably, for the Jewish community, it’s a grimly familiar pattern,” he stated.
Furthermore, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken scheduled a trip to Israel and Jordan on October 11-13 to meet with top authorities.
Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to reiterate the United States’ unshakable support for Israel’s right to self-defense. He expressed his sympathies to all those murdered or injured, as well as those still missing.
Proceedings of the war-
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has collaborated with a prominent political adversary to form a wartime Cabinet, seeking to establish a sense of unity amid growing public pressure to quell Hamas. Israel has maintained its destructive airstrikes in Gaza, with the potential for a ground offensive that could lead to a significant loss of life on both sides of the conflict.
Hamas, as an organisation, does not advocate for the dignity and self-determination of the Palestinian people. Instead, its explicit objective is the destruction of the State of Israel and harm to Jewish individuals. They employ Palestinian civilians as shields, demonstrating a complete disregard for human lives. Hamas offers nothing but a cycle of terror and violence, with no concern for the toll it exacts. Terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances.
The loss of innocent life is heartbreaking. Similar to all other nations globally, Israel retains the right to respond to these cruel and inhumane attacks.
