US President Joe Biden once again assured Israel of his country’s firm support after the major attack by the Palestinian radical Islamic organization Hamas. The attack on Israel was “an act of pure evil,” Biden said in a televised speech at the White House yesterday. “The US supports Israel. We will ensure that the Jewish and democratic State of Israel can defend itself – today, tomorrow, as we have always done.”
“Like every country in the world, Israel has the right and even the duty to respond to these cowardly attacks,” said Biden. At the same time, he indirectly appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he had spoken on the phone shortly before his speech, to show consideration for civilians in the Gaza Strip. “Terrorists target and kill civilians,” Biden said. Democracies like the US and Israel, on the other hand, would adhere to martial law.
US citizens kidnapped
Biden said the Hamas attack launched on Saturday killed “at least 14 American citizens.” He also confirmed that US citizens were among the hostages taken by Hamas. “We now know that American citizens are among those detained by Hamas.” Biden announced that US experts would help Israeli authorities free the hostages.
The US President also announced that he would send additional armed forces to the region if necessary. After the Hamas attack began, the US had already sent additional forces to the region as a “deterrent”, including an aircraft carrier. “We stand ready to transfer additional resources if necessary,” Biden said.