Washington – President Biden on Tuesday condemned the militant group Hamas’s bloody attacks on Israel over the weekend, calling them an “act of pure evil” and forcefully declaring: “We stand with Israel.”
In a speech delivered by the White House alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the president said the Israeli people had experienced “pure, unadulterated evil” at the “bloody hands” of Hamas, which has long been considered a terrorist organization the USA
“This was an act of pure evil,” he said.
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The president announced that at least 14 Americans were among the more than 1,200 people killed in Israel and that American citizens were among those held captive by Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan said after Mr. Biden’s comments that while he could not confirm the exact number of U.S. citizens held hostage, 20 or more Americans were missing.
“We will be working hour by hour to determine whether we can hold any of these Americans accountable and also to confirm the exact number of Americans held hostage,” Sullivan said. “We don’t currently know how many hostages we have.”
Mr. Biden emphasized: “At this moment we must be crystal clear: we stand with Israel. We stand with Israel.”
“And we will ensure that Israel has everything it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack,” Mr. Biden said. “There is no justification for terrorism. There is no excuse.”
President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaks after a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation in Israel following the deadly Hamas attacks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, October 10, 2023. JONATHAN ERNST / Portal
Mr Biden compared Hamas’ attack on Israel to the Islamic State’s “worst rampages” and denounced the group’s “brutality” and “bloodlust”.
“This is terrorism,” he said.
The president’s comments came after Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, launched its surprise attack on Israel early Saturday morning, which has since killed at least 900 people and injured about 2,700, according to the Israel Defense Forces. According to Israeli authorities, dozens of people are being held captive by the group.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the death toll in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip is at least 900. However, it is expected to rise as Israel continues to launch airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. Another 4,500 are wounded.
Mr. Biden has repeatedly expressed his unwavering support for the Jewish state since the terrorist attack and reiterated in his recent comments that the U.S. will “stand united, support the Israeli people who are suffering unspeakable losses, and stand up to the hatred and violence of the Jewish state.” Oppose terrorism.” “
“Like every nation in the world, Israel has the right to respond to these vicious attacks and even the duty to respond,” he said.
Biden condemns Hamas attack on Israel, says at least 14 Americans killed | Special report
The White House was lit Monday evening in blue and white, the colors of the Israeli flag, symbolizing “the American people’s unwavering support and solidarity with the people of Israel following the barbaric terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas.” ” said the White House.
Mr. Biden, along with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, also issued a joint statement condemning Hamas and “its horrific acts of terrorism.”
“Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities,” the leaders said on Monday. “We also emphasize that this is not the moment for any anti-Israel party to exploit these attacks to gain an advantage.”
They added: “We all recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and support justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent these aspirations and offers the Palestinian people nothing other than more terror and bloodshed.
Before his remarks, Mr. Biden met with his national security team to get an update on the situation in Israel. He and Harris also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss U.S. support for Israel, the White House said.
The US has already taken steps to provide the Israeli military with additional equipment and resources, including ammunition, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Sunday. He also ordered an aircraft carrier strike group to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to bolster regional deterrence efforts.
According to US officials, the munitions being sent to Israel also include small-diameter bombs and artillery shells.
In addition to increasing military aid to Israel, including ammunition and interceptor missiles to replenish the Iron Dome, Mr. Biden said he had directed his administration to share intelligence with the Israelis and send government experts to advise and assist in the recovery of hostages advise.
The president said he would also call on Congress to take “urgent action” to fund U.S. partners’ national security needs. The House has been in recess since Tuesday following the unprecedented ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and the Senate will return to Washington next week.
“This is not about party or politics. This is about the security of our world, the security of the United States of America,” he said.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday that the first tranche of security assistance was on its way to Israel.
“We fully expect that there will be additional requests for security systems from Israel as Israel continues to expand its munitions in this fight, and we will remain in lockstep with them and ensure we meet their needs as best as possible .” and as fast as you can,” he said.
Ellee Watson contributed to this report
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