Biden condemns “sheer evil” of Hamas attack on Israel, says 14 Americans were killed
Washington — President Biden on Tuesday condemned the Hamas militant group's bloody attacks on Israel that took place over the weekend, calling them an "act of sheer evil" and forcefully declaring that "we stand with Israel."
In remarks delivered from the White House alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the president said the people of Israel experienced "pure, unadulterated evil" at the "bloody hands" of Hamas, which has long been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S.
"This was an act of sheer evil," he said.
The president revealed that at least 14 Americans are among the more than 1,000 people killed in Israel, and American citizens are also among those being held captive by Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
"In this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel," he said. "And we will make sure Israel has what is needed to take care of its citizens, take care of itself and respond to this attack. There's no justification for terrorism. There's no excuse."
Biden condemns "sheer evil" of Hamas attack on Israel, says 14 Americans were killed
BY MELISSA QUINN
UPDATED ON: OCTOBER 10, 2023 / 2:39 PM / CBS NEWS
Washington — President Biden on Tuesday condemned the Hamas militant group's bloody attacks on Israel that took place over the weekend, calling them an "act of sheer evil" and forcefully declaring that "we stand with Israel."
In remarks delivered from the White House alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the president said the people of Israel experienced "pure, unadulterated evil" at the "bloody hands" of Hamas, which has long been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S.
"This was an act of sheer evil," he said.
The president revealed that at least 14 Americans are among the more than 1,000 people killed in Israel, and American citizens are also among those being held captive by Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
"In this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel," he said. "And we will make sure Israel has what is needed to take care of its citizens, take care of itself and respond to this attack. There's no justification for terrorism. There's no excuse."https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.594.1_en.html#goog_975677209https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.594.1_en.html#goog_975677210https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.594.1_en.html#goog_975677211
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The remarks from the president come after the Palestinian group launched its surprise assault on Israel early Saturday morning, which the Israel Defense Forces has since said left at least 900 dead and roughly 2,700 wounded. Israeli authorities said dozens of people are being held captive by Hamas.
The death toll in Hamas-run Gaza is at least 765, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, though it is expected to rise as Israel continues to launch airstrikes across the Gaza Strip.
Mr. Biden has repeatedly expressed unwavering support for the Jewish state since the terrorist attack. The White House was lit in blue and white on Monday night, the colors of the Israeli flag, as a symbol of "the ironclad support and solidarity of the American people with the people of Israel in the wake of the barbaric terrorist attacks committed by Hamas," according to the White House.
Mr. Biden, along with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, also issued a joint statement condemning Hamas and "its appalling acts of terrorism."
"Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities," the leaders said Monday. "We further emphasize that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage."
They added, "All of us recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed."
Ahead of his remarks, Mr. Biden met with his national security team to receive an update on the situation in Israel and "give direction on next steps." He and Harris also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss U.S. support for Israel, the White House said.
The U.S. has already moved to provide the Israeli military with additional equipment and resources, including munitions, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday. He also ordered a carrier strike group to move to the Eastern Mediterranean to strengthen regional deterrence efforts.
The munitions being sent to Israel include small diameter bombs and artillery rounds, according to U.S. officials.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Monday that the first tranche of security assistance is on its way to Israel.
"We fully expect that there'll be additional requests for security systems from Israel as they continue to expand munitions in this fight, and we will stay in lockstep with them, making sure that we're filling their needs as best as best we can and as fast as you can," he said.
