| 11 October 2023
| Christie Anto
Washington, D.C., USA - United States President Joe Biden delivered a speech from the White House, reaffirming the United States' unwavering support for Israel as the nation's military continues its bombardment of Gaza in response to an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. In his address, President Biden outlined several key points, shedding light on the administration's stance and actions amidst the ongoing conflict.
1. Additional Military Aid to Israel:
President Biden pledged additional military assistance to Israel, a nation already receiving $3.8 billion in annual US military aid. He emphasized the need to replenish Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system and urged Congress to take urgent action to fund national security requirements for critical partners, which likely includes Ukraine facing Russian invasion.
2. American Involvement and Hostages:
The President confirmed that Americans are among the captives held by Hamas without specifying the exact number. He also revealed that 14 US citizens have lost their lives in the attack. Biden expressed his commitment to the safety of Americans held hostage and pledged intelligence sharing and additional experts to aid in hostage recovery efforts.
3. Lack of Mention of Palestinian Civilians:
Notably, President Biden did not mention Palestinian casualties in his speech. Instead, he focused on Israeli victims of the Hamas attack. The omission of Palestinian civilians and the broader conflict raised concerns among observers. Critics argue that addressing the root causes of the conflict is crucial.
4. Warning Against Regional Parties:
Biden issued a warning to other parties in the region, seemingly addressing Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah. He urged them not to take advantage of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The President stated that the US has enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen deterrence, with additional military assets being deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean.
5. Unqualified Political Support for Israeli Response:
President Biden offered unqualified political support for Israel's military response to the conflict, despite concerns for the more than 2.2 million people living in Gaza. Israel has declared a "complete siege" on the Palestinian enclave, raising worries among rights advocates and the United Nations. Biden emphasized Israel's right and duty to respond to attacks, ensuring that the United States stands firmly behind its ally.
While the President's speech underlined the administration's commitment to Israel's security, it also prompted discussions about the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the underlying causes of the ongoing conflict. Critics argue that acknowledging the suffering of Palestinian civilians and addressing their concerns is essential to achieving a lasting peace in the region.
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