Updated: October 10, 2023 at 2:11 p.m.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation Tuesday afternoon and spoke about the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Biden said 14 Americans have been confirmed killed over the weekend and that Americans are among those taken hostage by the terrorist group.
“I directed my team to share intelligence and deploy additional experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts,” Biden said. “Cause as president I have no higher priority than the safety of U.S. citizens being held hostage around the world.”
The president said the United States would be sending Israel munitions to support it in its war against Hamas.
“Let there be no doubt, the United States has Israel’s back. We will make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself, today, tomorrow, as we always have. It’s as simple as that. These atrocities, I’m sick of it. We’re with Israel, make no mistake,” Biden said.
More than 1,700 people have been killed in the war between Hamas and Israel since it began over the weekend, with thousands more sustaining serious injuries.
In Gaza, which is currently being bombed by Israel, at least 830 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 4,000 have been wounded, CNBC reported.
The Israeli embassy to the United States said there have been an estimated 1,008 Israeli deaths since the initial attack on Saturday and more than 3,400 wounded, according to the Guardian. Additionally, more than 100 individuals are believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas and are currently being held in clandestine locations around Gaza.
On Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Sadly, these numbers are expected to rise as the attacks are ongoing and many remain unaccounted for.”
“I recognize the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people. But nothing can justify these acts of terror and the killing, maiming, and abduction of civilians,” added Guterres. “I reiterate my call to immediately cease these attacks and release all hostages.”
In response to Israel’s retaliatory bombing campaign, Hamas warned it would execute a hostage every time a civilian home is destroyed in Gaza without warning.
“We have decided to put an end to this and as of now, we declare that any targeting of our people in their homes without prior warning will be regrettably faced with the execution of one the hostages of civilians we are holding,” said Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas’ Qassam Brigades, per the Associated Press.
The UN said that more than 120,000 people have been displaced in Gaza due to the bombing, with damage to facilities affecting an even greater number of people. Damages sustained to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities have reportedly resulted in 400,000 people dealing with limited resources.
The war began early Saturday morning when thousands of rockets were fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, a territory controlled by the terrorist group Hamas, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Armed fighters infiltrated the southern part of the country, indiscriminately killing civilians and military personnel.
Israel conducted multiple military strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza in retaliation and has declared war against the Islamist organization. Civilians in Gaza are reportedly suffering significant losses due to the lack of air raid sirens and bomb shelters.
“Hospitals are overcrowded with injured people, there is a shortage of drugs and [medical supplies], and a shortage of fuel for generators,” claimed Ayman Al-Djaroucha, deputy coordinator of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza, in a statement sent to ABC News.
The UN said Gaza’s power plant, its only remaining source of electricity, could run out of fuel within the next few days.
Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “[The United States stands] ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel.”
“Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” Biden said.
