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

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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.

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More about Hamas Israel Attack

• President Biden’s Statements on Israel-Hamas Conflict
• US-Israel Relations Amid Recent Tensions
• Background on Hamas and Its Relationship with Iran
• Deployment of US Aircraft Carriers to the Mediterranean
• History of Antisemitism and Its Global Impact
• Israel’s Internal Politics and Response to Hamas Attacks
• Airlines’ Response to Israel-Gaza Conflict
• US’s Diplomatic Efforts in the Middle East