Biden Denounces ‘Evil’ Hamas Attack and Expresses Concern for Americans Held Hostage

President Biden, in his Tuesday address, revealed that Americans were among the hostages being held by Hamas. This came in addition to the tragic news that 14 U.S. citizens had lost their lives. He pledged unwavering support for Israel as it responded forcefully to the surprise attack on its territory. Biden emphasized the need for Israel to exercise both its right and duty to counter the onslaught by Hamas, which had caused a significant death toll.
The President did not specify the exact number of U.S. hostages but emphasized the utmost priority of ensuring the safety of Americans held captive worldwide. Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, mentioned that while the administration couldn’t confirm the exact number of hostages, at least 20 Americans were unaccounted for. Sullivan clarified that this number did not necessarily correspond to the number of U.S. hostages, and that there were an estimated 100 to 150 individuals held in Gaza, as reported by an Israeli official. Hamas had even threatened to execute civilian hostages should Israeli airstrikes persist.
Biden’s speech was delivered from the State Dining Room in the White House, where he was joined by Vice President Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In an unusually vivid manner, he described the heinous nature of the attack, highlighting the shocking reports of child casualties and assaults on women. This attack occurred three days after Palestinian gunmen from Hamas infiltrated Israel, leading to the deadliest incident in the country since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The sudden attack took a toll of at least 900 lives, with thousands wounded in Israel, causing profound psychological distress to a nation known for its intelligence and military preparedness.
In retaliation, Israel had launched a significant bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 750 Palestinian casualties, as reported by Palestinian authorities. Israel announced its intention to launch a full-scale military initiative after regaining control of its border with Gaza, suggesting a potential extensive ground invasion, the first in nearly a decade.
The Israeli government had made various requests to the United States in response to the Hamas attack, including the replenishment of military supplies. While some assistance had already been provided, congressional approval would be required for further support. The State Department announced that Secretary of State Blinken would be traveling to Israel, underscoring the U.S.’s support for the country. President Biden also pledged to request congressional approval for a military aid package for Israel when lawmakers reconvene.
The absence of a Speaker of the House in the U.S. was seen as a hindrance to responding swiftly to the crisis. Some officials considered combining aid for Ukraine, currently dealing with a Russian invasion, with the emergency spending package for Israel. This move aimed to facilitate Ukraine funding’s approval despite opposition from some Republicans who disagreed with providing aid to Ukraine.
Biden made a clear distinction between Hamas as a terrorist organization and the ordinary Palestinians seeking an independent state. He emphasized that Hamas’s objectives were centered on violence and terror, using civilians as shields. Simultaneously, he urged Israel to minimize civilian casualties during its expected incursion into Gaza.
U.S. officials were working to prevent the conflict from escalating into a broader Middle East war, warning other regional actors, particularly Hezbollah and Iran, not to exploit the situation. Biden affirmed unwavering support for Israel, highlighting the need for clarity in these trying times.
Biden’s history of support for Israel was mentioned, despite evolving views within the Democratic party, and his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was noted. The crisis seemed to have brought the two leaders closer, and Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s steadfast support for Israel.