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Biden calls Hamas attacks the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust as US death toll ticks up

by Andrew Wright
7 comments
Hamas Israel Attack

Biden Denounces Hamas Assault as Deadliest for Jews Post-Holocaust Amid Rising US Casualties

President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, expressed his strong condemnation of the recent assault on Israel by Hamas militants, referring to it as the most devastating day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust. The attack has resulted in the unfortunate death of at least 22 U.S. citizens.

Addressing Jewish leaders at the White House, President Biden characterized the attack as a sheer act of cruelty, more than mere hatred, directed towards the Jewish populace.

The conflict, which has already taken over 2,200 lives from both sides, still has 17 Americans unaccounted for, according to the State Department. White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, further highlighted that a small number of U.S. nationals were taken as hostages during Hamas’s unexpected assault on Israel over the weekend.

The U.S. government’s support for Israel has been evident, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Israel for diplomatic conversations, and the deployment of a second U.S. aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean to deter the escalation of the conflict into a wider regional battle.

Kirby confirmed that the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, accompanied by other vessels, stands ready if required. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s foremost advanced aircraft carrier, along with its strike group, has already reached the Eastern Mediterranean.

While the assault brings the involvement of Iran, Hamas’s primary backer, into question, U.S. intelligence indicates that high-ranking Iranian officials were unprepared for the extensive attack. This has led White House representatives to publicly state that there is no tangible evidence pointing to Iran’s direct participation in orchestrating the Hamas assault. Kirby emphasized the current lack of evidence indicating any financial or training support from Iran, but maintained that the U.S. will persist in its intelligence investigations.

Addressing the gathering of Jewish leaders, Biden implied that the U.S. military’s presence served as a cautionary message to Iran and neighboring players, underscoring the message to Tehran to proceed with caution.

On the Israeli front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formed a wartime Cabinet in collaboration with a chief political adversary, demonstrating national unity amid mounting calls to overpower Hamas. Israel persisted with its aerial bombings in Gaza, with a potential land campaign posing a threat of extensive fatalities on both conflict sides.

Due to the ongoing rocket and missile confrontations, several airlines have halted their commercial operations to and from Israel. In light of this, Kirby revealed that the U.S. is considering alternative avenues to aid Americans wishing to depart, suggesting a potential U.S.-facilitated evacuation.

In talks with Israel and Egypt, the U.S. is exploring avenues for the safe passage of Gaza’s civilians, with Kirby emphasizing their innocent bystander status in the conflict.

Drawing parallels between the current assault and the historical trajectory of antisemitism, President Biden, in his statement to the press, emphasized the lasting impact of hate on the Jewish community worldwide. He reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to Israel and conveyed his administration’s determination to counter and challenge antisemitism in all forms.

President Biden also shared that he and Vice President Kamala Harris had telephonic discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, affirming the steadfast support of the United States for Israel.

During his speech to Jewish leaders at the White House, Biden communicated his directive to homeland security and law enforcement to collaborate closely with Jewish community stakeholders, underlining the administration’s commitment to combating antisemitism in every possible manner.

Report contributors: Colleen Long, Ellen Knickmeyer, and Eric Tucker of Big Big News.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hamas Israel Attack

What did President Joe Biden describe the Hamas attack on Israel as?

President Joe Biden labeled the Hamas assault on Israel as the deadliest day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust.

How many U.S. citizens were reported killed in the conflict?

At least 22 U.S. citizens have been reported killed in the conflict.

Has the U.S. shown signs of supporting Israel during this conflict?

Yes, signs of U.S. support for Israel have been evident through various measures, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel and the deployment of U.S. aircraft carriers to the Mediterranean.

Is there evidence of Iran’s direct involvement in the Hamas attack?

Based on U.S. intelligence, there is currently no tangible evidence pointing to Iran’s direct participation in orchestrating the Hamas assault.

What did President Biden say regarding the deployment of U.S. military ships in relation to Iran?

President Biden implied that the U.S. military’s presence served as a cautionary message to Iran and neighboring players, emphasizing the message to Tehran to proceed with caution.

How has Israel responded internally to the conflict?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formed a wartime Cabinet in collaboration with a chief political adversary, demonstrating national unity amid mounting calls to overpower Hamas.

What has been the impact on commercial flights to and from Israel due to the ongoing conflict?

Several airlines have halted their commercial operations to and from Israel because of the ongoing rocket and missile confrontations.

How has President Biden addressed the historical context of antisemitism in light of the recent attack?

President Biden drew parallels between the current assault and the historical trajectory of antisemitism, emphasizing the lasting impact of hate on the Jewish community worldwide. He reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to counter and challenge antisemitism in all its forms.

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7 comments

Tom R. October 12, 2023 - 3:54 am

Read another article that said a different number of US citizens killed… dont know who to believe anymore.

Reply
John D. October 12, 2023 - 5:58 am

didn’t know the situation was this serious. Biden seems to be taking strong stand on this.

Reply
Sophia K. October 12, 2023 - 8:12 am

aircraft carriers? that’s a big move from the US. seems things are heating up more than we know.

Reply
Mike L. October 12, 2023 - 2:12 pm

Why is Iran always in these conflicts? They need to chill and stop funding terrorists.

Reply
Karan S. October 12, 2023 - 2:28 pm

Hopeful for peace, but with so many players involved it looks complicated. thanks for this detailed report though. Helps to understand whats happening.

Reply
Lisa Marie October 12, 2023 - 3:38 pm

Its so heartbreaking to read about so many casualties. praying for peace in the region.

Reply
Ellen Q. October 12, 2023 - 8:33 pm

antisemitism is still so prevalent, its sad. Biden’s right in drawing that parallel.

Reply

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