President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the recent attacks on Israel by Hamas militants and issued a warning to those seeking to exploit the situation.
On Saturday morning, news broke of a significant rocket barrage from Gaza and coordinated attacks by Hamas gunmen on border communities in the southern part of Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described these events as highly organized and unprecedented, leading to a state of war in the country.
In response to these developments, President Biden addressed the nation from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Saturday afternoon. During his remarks, he expressed his firm condemnation of the attacks and offered unwavering support to Israel. He also expressed sympathy for the families who have lost loved ones in these attacks.
The situation in the region has escalated rapidly, with rockets raining down on Israeli cities and towns, and Hamas militants launching attacks near the border. President Biden’s message underscored the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and its condemnation of violence aimed at civilians.
Let me be clear: the United States strongly condemns the rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups,” President Biden said during his address. “These attacks are unacceptable, and we fully support Israel’s right to defend itself against such threats.”
President Biden further emphasized that his administration is actively engaged with regional partners to seek de-escalation and bring an end to the violence. He stressed the importance of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve a lasting solution to the longstanding conflict.
Israel has the right to defend itself, and we are committed to helping Israel secure that right,” President Biden stated.
The situation in the Middle East remains fluid, with both sides grappling with
the consequences of the recent escalation. President Biden’s condemnation of the attacks and commitment to Israel’s security reflect the United States’ longstanding alliance with Israel and its role in promoting stability in the region.
Today, the people of Israel are under attack, orchestrated by a 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.
You know, the world’s seen appalling images, thousands of rockets in the space of hours raining down on Israeli cities. I got up this morning, started this at 730, 8:00 my calls. Hamas terrorists crossing into Israel, killing not only Israeli soldiers, but Israeli civilians in the street, in their homes, innocent people murdered, wounded, entire families taken hostage by Hamas. Just days after Israel marked the holiest of days in the Jewish calendar. It’s unconscionable. You know, when I spoke to 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 his people. Full stop!
There’s never justification for terrorist attacks. And my administration of support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. Let me say this as clearly as I can. This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks, to seek advantage. The world is watching! I’ve also been in contact with the king of Jordan, spoke with members of Congress directing my national security team to engage with their Israeli counterparts, military to military, intelligence to intelligence, diplomat to diplomat to make sure Israel has what it needs. I’ve also directed my team to remain in constant contact with leaders throughout the region, including Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, the UAE, as well as our European partners and the Palestinian Authority. It’s also a terrible tragedy on a human level. It’s hurting innocent people, seeing the lives that have been broken by this. The families torn apart. It’s heartbreaking. And Jill and I are praying for those families who’ve been impacted by this violence. We grieve with those who have lost their loved ones, lost a piece of their soul. We have hope for swift recovery for many of the wounded.
But we’re going to remain in close touch with Prime Minister I personally remaining close contact with Prime Minister Netanyahu as this situation continues to develop. And let there be no mistake, the United States stands with the state of Israel. Just as we have from the moment the United States became the first nation to recognize Israel 11 minutes after its founding 75 years ago. Thank you very much.
