President Joe Biden asserted that over 1,300 individuals lost their lives during the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7th. He emphasized that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people and reiterated his country's dedication to the Palestinians' right to self-determination.
The American president affirmed that his administration will not abandon its support for the two-state solution. He pointed out the urgent need for water, medicine, and food for the inhabitants of Gaza, underlining the undeniable humanitarian aspect of innocent Palestinians.
In a televised address to the nation on Thursday evening, Biden announced his intention to request "urgent" funding from Congress to assist Israel and Ukraine, whom he referred to as "our fundamental partners."
Biden described both the Palestinian movement Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin as "sharing a common goal in seeking to undermine democracy," accusing Iran of supporting Russia in Ukraine and supporting Hamas in Gaza.
He stated, "Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, and its actions do not deprive Palestinians of their right to determine their destiny." He mentioned having spoken with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, affirming their right to dignity and self-determination.
Biden emphasized the urgent need for food, water, and medicine for the inhabitants of Gaza, mentioning an agreement reached with Israel and Egypt to deliver a shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
While reiterating that his country cannot forsake peace or the two-state solution, Biden emphasized that Washington will ensure "that the hostile parties in the Middle East know that Israel is stronger than ever before."
Simultaneously, Biden emphasized the importance of Israel abiding by the laws of war, which means protecting civilians to the best of their ability. He cautioned the Israeli government against being blinded by anger.
Biden warned that there is "a lot of racism and Islamophobia in the United States today."
Biden's speech came about 20 hours after his return from a swift trip to Israel to express American solidarity following the attack launched by Hamas on October 7th.
Biden made it clear that Israel is not responsible for the explosion, contrary to what Hamas officials claim. He further stated, "We cannot ignore the humanity of innocent Palestinians who simply want to live in peace and have opportunities."
Biden expressed his concern that some Americans wonder "what's America's business" in supporting wars.
He said, "I know these conflicts may seem distant," adding that America's adversaries are watching how these conflicts evolve and might provoke crises in other regions of the world depending on the outcome.
Biden requested emergency funding, which U.S. officials say will amount to approximately 100 billion dollars over the next year for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and U.S.-Mexico border security.
By bundling priorities together in one package, Biden is testing whether it's possible to convince Republican lawmakers to set aside their opposition and approve funding for Ukraine, which has been absorbing billions of dollars in U.S. weaponry amid its ongoing 20-month war with Russia, without an end in sight.
Any funding action must be approved by both the Senate, where additional aid enjoys bipartisan support, and the House of Representatives, which has been without a speaker for 17 days.
Approximately four out of ten participants in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last week felt that the United States should support Israel, among various options. In a separate poll this month, roughly the same percentage agreed with the statement that Washington "should supply Ukraine with weapons."
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