President Biden Condemns Hamas Attack on Israel and Pledges Support
Solidarity in the Face of Tragedy: President Biden’s Unwavering Commitment to Israel
In a heartfelt address from the White House State Dining Room, President Biden expressed unwavering solidarity with Israel in the wake of the brutal Hamas attack. He unequivocally condemned the violence as “pure, unadulterated evil” and pledged the United States’ commitment to provide military aid to assist Israel as the conflict unfolds in the Middle East.
Standing with Israel: A Clear Message
President Biden, speaking passionately, stated, “At this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel.” He emphasized that the U.S. would ensure Israel’s access to the resources needed to protect its citizens, defend itself, and respond to the recent attack. The President asserted, “There’s no justification for terrorism. There’s no excuse.”
A Tragic Turn of Events
The recent attack, the deadliest in Israel in decades, resulted in the loss of over 1,000 Israeli lives, including at least 14 Americans. The assault unfolded when Hamas militants breached the Israeli border along the Gaza Strip, launching a surprise invasion. In response, Israel initiated airstrikes on Gaza, intensifying the conflict.
Hamas: A Terrorist Organization with Deadly Intent
President Biden unequivocally labeled Hamas as a “terrorist organization” with the sole objective of targeting Jews. He described the horrific events in graphic terms, highlighting the gruesome attacks on parents trying to protect their children and recounting the disturbing reports of Israeli infants being murdered, Holocaust survivors taken hostage, women subjected to violence, and entire families wiped out.
Israel’s Right to Respond
Biden underscored Israel’s right to respond, emphasizing that it also had a moral duty to do so. This comes four days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas. He noted that moments of “pure unadulterated evil” like this weekend’s events were rare but devastating.
Hostages and the Urgent Need for Resolution
Hamas has taken an estimated 100 to 150 people hostage, including some Americans, held in Gaza. The threat to execute hostages if Israel does not cease airstrikes has been deemed a severe violation of human morality, akin to the most ruthless acts of ISIS. The President added, “This is terrorism, but sadly, for the Jewish people, it’s not new.”
Coordinated Efforts and Aid for Israel
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on “coordinated efforts with partners and allies” to safeguard Israel. The administration will seek urgent Congressional support for funding to meet Israel’s national security requirements. Already, the U.S. has provided additional ammunition and interceptors to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system.
Multiple Priorities: Aid for Israel and Ukraine
The conflict in Israel arises as the U.S. also seeks additional aid for Ukraine to combat Russia’s invasion. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan assured that the request for aid to Israel will not diminish the push for support to Ukraine, although specifics of the funding package remain under discussion.
Iran’s Involvement and Foreign Policy Challenges
In response to inquiries about Iran’s possible involvement, the U.S. has not found concrete evidence of Iran’s complicity or prior knowledge of the attack. The attack serves as another significant foreign policy challenge for President Biden, who is already grappling with assisting Ukraine and brokering agreements between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Blame Game and Frozen Funds
The administration faces criticism from Republicans who attribute some responsibility for the attacks to the recent deal that freed Americans held in Iran and granted access to $6 billion in frozen funds. The administration maintains that these funds can only be used for humanitarian purposes.
Understanding Hamas
Hamas, founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising, seeks the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state, challenging the existence of Israel. Its political wing gained control of Gaza after winning elections in 2006. Iran provides substantial support to Hamas, which is a designated terrorist group.
Root Causes and Escalation
Hamas initiated the attack, citing ongoing Palestinian suffering under Israeli occupation, the Gaza blockade, continued construction of settlements in the West Bank, and the detention of thousands of prisoners in Israeli jails as motivating factors. The attack unleashed a wave of violence, encompassing sea, land, and air attacks that resulted in the largest one-day loss of Jewish lives since the Holocaust.
In these trying times, President Biden called for unity and respect, urging Americans not to direct hatred towards any religious group. He emphasized that it’s “a moment for the United States to come together” and grieve with those who are mourning. He made it clear that “There is no place for hate in America, not against Jews, not against Muslims.”
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
