"This is terrorism." On the 10th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden strongly condemned the surprise attack by the Palestinian armed faction Hamas on Israel as "Sheer Evil." He also emphasized that he is ready to deploy additional military assets to support Israel.
In a national address that afternoon, President Biden stated that more than 1,000 people, including at least 14 Americans, have died in the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas. He said, "There are moments when pure and complete evil erupts in this world," defining Hamas's attack as sheer evil.
He also cited local reports that children were killed, young people massacred, and women raped, condemning, "The bloodthirsty cruelty of Hamas recalls the worst atrocities of ISIS (Islamic State). This is terrorism." He added, "Hamas is not defending the rights of the Palestinian people but rather using them as 'human shields,'" and stated, "The U.S. response to this terrorist attack will be swift, resolute, and in compliance with the laws of war."
President Biden confirmed that among those taken hostage are Americans, though he did not specify the exact number. He said, "We have shared information with Israel and deployed experts to rescue the hostages," adding, "There is no higher priority than the safety of American hostages."
Along with this, President Biden promised support, saying, "We stand with Israel." He confirmed that Israel has the right to respond and that additional military resources, including ammunition and interceptors for the Iron Dome air defense system, are being pursued. He emphasized, "We will ensure that Israel does not run out of critical assets needed to protect its cities and citizens." He also said he would request emergency measures from Congress to support Israel for the security of allies and partners. Prior to the speech, President Biden had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He strongly warned against other countries exploiting the situation to intervene in the conflict. Saying, "I will say just one thing," he firmly stated, "Do not." After about a 10-minute speech, President Biden left immediately without taking questions.
U.S. media, including The New York Times (NYT), reported that the 14 American deaths mentioned by President Biden are higher than initially known. Shortly after the speech, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan explained that about 20 Americans are missing, and it is unclear how many of them are hostages.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the war that began with Hamas's surprise attack on Israel is estimated to have exceeded 1,800 just four days after the outbreak of the conflict. AFP reported that the number of foreign deaths, missing persons, and hostages resulting from the clashes between Hamas and Israel has surpassed 100.
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