WASHINGTON — As tensions escalate in the Middle East, President Biden confirmed on Monday afternoon the deaths of 11 American citizens in the recent terrorist assault against Israel. [Source]
“As we continue to account for the horrors of the appalling terrorist assault against Israel this weekend and the hundreds of innocent civilians who were murdered, we are seeing the immense scale and reach of this tragedy,” said Biden.
The update highlighted the devastating impact on American families. “Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed—many of whom made a second home in Israel.”
Biden emphasized the ongoing efforts to locate every American involved, stating, “We also know that American citizens still remain unaccounted for, and we are working with Israeli officials to obtain more information as to their whereabouts.”
In the wake of international concern and the White House’s solemn statement, Israel’s leadership remains firm in its position.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his national address, unequivocally clarified Israel’s stance on Hamas. “We have always known what Hamas is. Now the world knows. Hamas is ISIS.” Stressing Israel’s resolve, he added, “Hamas is ISIS and we will eliminate it in exactly the same manner that the enlightened world eliminated ISIS.” [Source]
Netanyahu urged the international community to be wary of misinformation, emphasizing the need for factual reporting during these challenging times.
A phone discussion between Netanyahu and President Biden provided additional clarity on Israel’s approach. [Source]
As documented by Axios and corroborated by several Israeli and U.S. sources, Netanyahu conveyed the need for a ground operation in the Gaza Strip in retaliation to Hamas’s attacks. [Source]
Netanyahu asserted, “We have to go in. We can’t negotiate now.” He emphasized the urgency of Israel’s response by adding, “We need to restore deterrence.”
The Israeli media provides a somber account of the nation’s losses, indicating nearly 800 Israeli casualties since the conflict’s onset. [Source]
Palestinians endured another night of Israeli military action in response to Hamas’s “unprecedented and savage weekend assault on the Jewish state.” Sources report over 550 deaths in the Gaza Strip.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, around 200 targets in the Hamas-governed Palestinian territory faced airstrikes. Though this count was less than the previous night’s attacks, it’s evident that these actions are just the onset of what Israel promises will be a robust response to Hamas.
Amid the turmoil, with steadfast support from the U.S., Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s position. Declaring that “Hamas has initiated a war, Netanyahu resolved, “Israel will finish it.”
With evident resolve, Netanyahu proclaimed, “Hamas will understand that by attacking us, they’ve made a mistake of historic proportions. We will exact a price that will be remembered by them and Israel’s other enemies for decades to come.”
From an international viewpoint, the Biden administration addressed Iran’s potential involvement. While recognizing Iran’s general backing of Hamas, the administration highlighted a lack of conclusive evidence linking Tehran directly to the recent attacks on Israel.
The unfolding situation in the Middle East continues to dominate global attention. As events progress, the pursuit of peace becomes increasingly critical.
This story is still developing…