US President Joe Biden addressing Jewish leaders
In his latest show of support for Israel, US President Joe Biden, on October 11, 2023, addressed Jewish Community leaders at a roundtable in the White House and called the HAMAS assault on Israel a campaign of cruelty. In broader remarks about his administration’s support to Israel in the war with HAMAS, he said, “I never thought that I would see pictures of HAMAS terrorists beheading Israeli children.” He also vouched for efforts to free American Hostages.
During the event at the White House, featuring a group of around 24 rabbis and leaders from the Jewish organisations, Biden also warned Iran to be careful.
Biden’s Message
“We moved the US Carrier fleet to the Eastern Mediterranean, and we are sending more fighter jets to the region and to make it clear to the Iranians: Be careful, he said, adding, “When terrorist groups like HAMAS brought only a sheer evil to the world, sheer evil, evil that echoes the worst matches in some cases exceeds the worst atrocities of the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)”.
Earlier on the same day, the US President spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, making the fourth known call between the two. Biden also assured Netanyahu that the United States of America to help Israel fight HAMAS militants. “The US has Israel’s back, and I have yours as well, both at home and abroad, the president said.
Reaction by Antony Blinken
On October 10, 2023, Joe Biden confirmed that US citizens are among those who have been taken hostage by HAMAS. The White House said on the very next day that 17 Americans are unaccounted. Meanwhile, the US State Department Secretary, Antony Blinken, called the HAMAS Attacks appalling and also reiterated US support for Israel. He said that 22 US Citizens have been killed in attacks.
“The terrorist attacks against Israel are appalling, and the world should be revolted at what it has seen. As we closely monitor the situation, we sadly know that at least 22 citizens were killed, and US citizens are among those who have been under the custody of HAMAS, Blinken posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), adding that. “We join families in Israel, the US and around the world mourning the loss of loved ones killed in the heinous attacks by HAMAS. We continue efforts to secure the release of those hostages, and the US remains steadfast and unwavering in our support from Israel.
HAMAS Attack on Israel
In a major escalation on October 7, 2023, HAMAS launched a surprise attack on Israel and fired a barrage of rockets into the southern and eastern parts of the country. The next day, the spokesperson of IDF (Israeli Defence Forces), Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said that 1200 Israeli soldiers were ready to execute the mission in Gaza.
As the US administration continues its efforts to support Israel and deploy military assets to the region, various government agencies are working behind the scenes to construct an accurate assessment of the situation on the ground.
In the wake of deadly HAMAS attacks on Israel, the US State Department has advised Americans to reconsider travelling to Israel. The travel advisory to the West Bank has also been raised to level three while the advisory to Gaza remains at the most severe, that is, “Level 4. Do not travel”
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