President Joe Biden escalated tensions within the U.S. government today, accusing Palestinian officials of providing false information about the civilian death toll in Gaza, following the deadliest Palestinian militant attack on Israel led by Hamas on October 7. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes on Gaza, sparking a sharp disparity in reported casualties.
Israeli officials, as reported by the Associated Press, state that 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, while the health ministry in Gaza, under Hamas control, claims 6,546 Palestinian casualties.
During a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Biden expressed doubt about the accuracy of Palestinian-provided figures, stating, “I have no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using.” Biden emphasized the need for Israel to focus on targeting those responsible for the conflict while minimizing civilian casualties.
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The recent casualties at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City added complexity to the situation. Conflicting reports emerged after an explosion on October 17, with Hamas claiming an Israeli airstrike caused around 500 casualties. However, Israel denied responsibility, and U.S. intelligence, as reported by Newsweek, contradicted the Palestinian account, suggesting a lower death toll.
Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan criticized Israel’s actions, stating, “Your war and destruction only approach has opened my eyes.” Even after confirmation that Israel was not responsible for the hospital attack, Tlaib remained skeptical, citing reports from international organizations.
Discussions within the U.S. Congress have ensued. Representative Jared Moskowitz suggested considering a censure resolution introduced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, aiming to censure Democrats, including Tlaib. Moskowitz emphasized the importance of trusting U.S. intelligence over claims from Gaza’s health ministry.
Despite the tensions, President Biden reiterated his support for Israel during the press conference, emphasizing the country’s responsibility to protect innocent civilians. In a post on social media earlier in the week, Biden advocated for a “two-state solution,” underscoring the U.S. commitment to both an independent Palestinian state and a secure Israel.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the accuracy of casualty figures remains a point of contention, further straining relations between U.S. Democrats and the Biden administration. The international community watches closely as efforts toward a peaceful resolution face mounting challenges.
