Biden Condemns the ‘Inexcusable’ Attack by Hamas, Cautions Against Exploiting the Crisis by Foes of Israel

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President Joe Biden forcefully denounced the “inexcusable” actions of Hamas militants in a Saturday address, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security in the aftermath of an unexpected attack that elicited global disapproval and stirred indignation among Israel’s supporters.

Speaking from the White House, Biden communicated to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. “unequivocally stands beside the citizens of Israel confronting these acts of terrorism. Israel possesses an incontrovertible right to defend its citizens. There can be no valid excuse for acts of terror, and the unwavering commitment of my administration to Israel’s safety is resolute.”

Further, President Biden admonished those inimical to Israel, stating, “This is not an occasion for any entity with animosity toward Israel to capitalize on these attacks for their own benefit. The global community is vigilant.”

Biden confirmed his intent to maintain regular communication with Netanyahu, revealing that he had already been in contact with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and several U.S. lawmakers to confer about the evolving crisis.

Additional Context

The attack by Hamas, unprecedented in its scale and noted for its timing shortly after Yom Kippur—Judaism’s most sacred day—has been identified as the most lethal in Israel in years and threatens to evolve into a more expansive conflict. Israel has responded with air strikes in Gaza. “We are in a state of war,” stated Netanyahu.

President Biden emphasized that Israel’s citizens are “facing orchestrated attacks by a terrorist organization,” affirming the U.S. alliance with Israel by stating, “We will unflinchingly stand by Israel and provide the assistance necessary for its citizens to defend themselves.”

Highlighting the dire situation, Biden said, “The international community has witnessed shocking visuals—countless rockets fired within hours targeting Israeli cities.” He also noted that the attacks had caused not only military but civilian casualties, describing it as “absolutely inexcusable.”

The crisis has significantly undermined U.S. endeavors to broaden the Arab-Israeli Abraham Accords normalization agreements. Despite setbacks, U.S. officials insist they will persevere, though they acknowledge the improbability of progress amidst the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held meetings and conversations with Israeli officials, pledging support for Israel’s defense and civilian protection against indiscriminate attacks. Blinken’s planned Middle East tour, however, is now postponed.

International Reactions

Leaders around the world have also condemned the attacks and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust, stated unequivocally that Israel’s right to self-defense “is beyond question.”

European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed these sentiments, whereas in Vienna, the Israeli flag was hoisted at governmental buildings as a show of unity. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov called for immediate cessation of hostilities.

However, Iran’s parliament began their session with chants of “Death to Israel,” and celebrations were seen in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia urged for an immediate end to the fighting and cautioned against the escalation of the conflict, stating that the continuous occupation and denial of legitimate rights to Palestinians remain deeply concerning.

The situation remains complex, with no immediate resolution in sight, according to U.S. officials engaged in attempts to deescalate the conflict.

Contributions to this report were made by correspondents from around the globe.

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More about Biden condemns Hamas attack on Israel

• President Biden’s Official Statement on the Crisis
• U.S. Department of State: Remarks by Antony Blinken
• U.S. Department of Defense: Statement by Lloyd Austin
• Arab-Israeli Abraham Accords: Background and Future Prospects
• Global Leaders’ Responses to Hamas Attacks on Israel
• Saudi Arabia’s Official Statement on the Conflict
• Iranian Parliamentary Session: Coverage and Reactions
• Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon: Reactions to Hamas Attacks
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram Post on Israel
• European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen’s Statement