Biden Condemns Hamas Attack as ‘Pure Evil’; Confirms 14 American Deaths and US Hostages in Israel

US President Joe Biden delivered a resolute condemnation of the recent attacks on Israel, labeling them as “pure unadulterated evil.” In his address from the White House, President Biden expressed his profound concern over the significant loss of life, with over 1,000 people having died in Israel, including at least 14 American citizens.

President Biden emphasized the brutal nature of the attacks, including stomach-turning reports of parents using their bodies to shield their children and the killing of babies. He singled out Hamas, branding it a “terrorist organization whose stated purpose for being is to kill Jews,” describing their actions as “an act of sheer evil.”

The President’s speech followed his third phone call in four days with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the call, he outlined the assistance the United States is providing to Israel to support its defense efforts.

Netanyahu, in a stern warning to Hamas a day prior, stated that Israel had been compelled into the war, asserting, “Israel is at war. We didn’t want this war. It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way. But though Israel didn’t start this war, Israel will finish it.”

Biden also revealed increased security measures around “centres of Jewish life” within the United States, aiming to ensure the safety and protection of Jewish communities. He firmly asserted that there was “no place for hate in America.”

The President acknowledged that American citizens were among those held by Hamas and directed his team to share intelligence and deploy additional experts from various US government agencies to address the situation.

In a social media post, President Biden mentioned a discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris about the situation in Israel and their connection with Prime Minister Netanyahu to coordinate support for Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent civilians.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III has been actively conveying unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Additionally, the United States has sent a clear message to potential adversaries, urging them to reconsider any intentions to enter or escalate the conflict, emphasizing the need to avoid taking advantage of the regional instability.

Also Read: Israel Escalates Attack on Gaza; Conflict Enters Day 4
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