In a powerful and impassioned address from the White House State Dining Room, President Joe Biden condemned the heinous attack on Israel by Hamas, describing it as "pure, unadulterated
evil." He pledged unwavering support for Israel in the wake of this brutal assault, which left more than 1,000 civilians dead, including at least 14 Americans.
The President, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, expressed his anger and grief regarding the attack. He emphasized the sheer brutality of the situation, where innocent civilians, including parents who tried to shield their children, were brutally murdered, and infants were killed in horrifying circumstances.
The White House confirmed that approximately 20 Americans were unaccounted for and may be held hostage by Hamas. Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, revealed that the exact number of Americans in the hands of Hamas was yet unknown, but they were in regular contact with their families.
Amid this crisis, the United States is taking immediate action to provide support to Israel. President Biden plans to ask Congress for urgent funding to meet the national security requirements of critical partners. The U.S. has already provided Israel with additional ammunition and interceptors for its Iron Dome missile defense system, with further shipments on the way. "You can expect American planes flying into Israel," said Sullivan.
While the United States remains committed to supporting Israel in its efforts to defend itself, the administration is also focused on addressing concerns about Palestinian civilians caught up in the conflict. There are ongoing efforts to find ways to allow Gazans to escape the punishing Israeli airstrikes, although specific details were not disclosed.
In his passionate speech, President Biden invoked the horrors of this weekend's events and likened Hamas's "blood-thirstiness" to the worst atrocities committed by ISIS, categorically denouncing the attack as terrorism. He emphasized the need for clarity and unity in standing with Israel, a longtime ally.
This statement follows the President's third conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the attack began. It underscores the gravity of the situation and the unwavering commitment of the United States to support Israel during these challenging times. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.