US President Joe Biden has reiterated the unwavering support of the United States for Israel in the wake of terrorist attacks orchestrated by Hamas. He expressed solidarity with Israel and committed to providing assistance to ensure the safety and defense of its citizens. President Biden’s remarks came as a response to a major upheaval in the Middle East initiated by a surprise attack from the Hamas terror group, which launched a barrage of rockets into southern and central Israel.
“The people of Israel are under attack orchestrated by the terrorist organization, Hamas. In this moment of tragedy, I want to say to them and to the world and to terrorists everywhere that the United States stands with Israel. We will not ever fail to have their back; we’ll make sure that they have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves,” President Biden stated on Saturday.
The latest developments indicate that over 200 people have tragically lost their lives, with at least 1,104 individuals injured, and several Israelis have been held hostage in Gaza, as reported by the Times of Israel, citing officials.
President Biden emphasized the commitment of the United States to stand by Israel’s side and to uphold its right to self-defense. He also mentioned that he had directed his team to maintain continuous communication with regional leaders, including those from Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, the UAE, European partners, and the Palestinian Authority.
“I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning; I told him the United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. There’s never a justification for terrorist attacks, and my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock-solid and unwavering,” President Biden said.
President Biden expressed his condolences for the victims of the attacks and acknowledged the human suffering caused by the violence. He and First Lady Jill Biden offered prayers for the affected families and those who have been wounded. The President stated that he hopes for a swift recovery for the injured and pledged to remain in close contact with Prime Minister Netanyahu as the situation continues to unfold.
He underscored the enduring support of the United States for Israel, dating back to the nation’s recognition by the US 75 years ago, just 11 minutes after its founding. The President condemned the terrorist attacks and reiterated his commitment to Israel’s security.
The attack itself began early in the morning, with a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, hitting several cities, including Tel Aviv, Rehovot, Gedera, and Ashkelon. Subsequently, Hamas terrorists entered Israel from the Gaza Strip, taking control of Israeli towns.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken also conveyed condolences to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, condemning the attacks and reaffirming the United States’ solidarity with Israel. He discussed measures to enhance Israel’s security and emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed condolences to Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz and reiterated the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security.
In response to the attacks, US State Department spokesperson Mattew Miller clarified that the deal to bring US citizens home from Iran was unrelated to the situation in Israel. He emphasized that any funds spent would be exclusively for humanitarian purposes, such as food and medicine.
Former US President Donald Trump also commented on the Hamas attack, suggesting that it occurred due to perceived weakness.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold a closed-door session on the Middle East situation, as indicated on the UN’s website, scheduled for 3 pm US local time on Sunday.
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