US President Joe Biden backed Israel’s claim that militants were responsible for the attack on a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds and raised tensions in the Middle East.
“I was deeply saddened and outraged by yesterday’s explosion at the hospital in Gaza. And from what I’ve seen, it looks like it was done by the other team,” Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu minutes after landing. Tel Aviv today.
Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday, embarking on a visit to show solidarity and talk about the spiraling war in Gaza. As he stepped off the plane amid a large security contingent, Biden hugged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog on the tarmac.
Shortly after landing, Biden gave a joint speech with Netanyahu expressing his support in the war against Hamas. Biden has strongly backed his key ally Israel and its military campaign – in retaliation for the killing of 1,400 people who were shot, maimed or burned in shocking cross-border attacks launched by Hamas on October 7.
“I wanted to be here today. For one simple reason, I want the people of Israel, the people of the world, to know where the United States stands,” Biden said.
I am outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted. Immediately after hearing this news, I spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and presented my national…
– President Biden (@POTUS) October 17, 2023
Biden also condemned the “atrocities” committed by Hamas, which has taken hundreds of hostages and reportedly beheaded women and children.
“They (Hamas) have committed atrocities that make ISIS seem somewhat logical. We must also keep in mind that Hamas does not represent the entire Palestinian people and has only brought them suffering,” he added.
Israel’s campaign to destroy Hamas and try to rescue 199 hostages from the besieged and blockaded area had already left at least 3,000 dead in Gaza before the hospital was attacked today.
Hamas and Israel traded accusations after an explosion ripped through a hospital, killing 500 people. While Hamas claims the blast was caused by an Israeli missile, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government insisted they played no role in the attack. The Israeli military blamed Palestinian militants and said the outbound Islamic Jihad rocket had failed.
