U.S. President Joe Biden staunchly defended Israel, rejecting accusations of genocide in their military operations against Hamas in Gaza. Biden’s remarks, made during a Jewish American Heritage Month event, countered criticism from pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
“What’s happening in Gaza is not genocide. We reject that,” Biden said at a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House.
He emphasized Israel’s status as a victim, pointing to Hamas attacks in October. Biden reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Israeli safety and security.
“We stand with Israel to take out (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar and the rest of the butchers of Hamas. We want Hamas defeated. We’re working with Israel to make that happen,” he said.
Negotiations have stalled between Israel and Hamas in trying to gain the freedom of sick, elderly and wounded hostages still held by the militants, but Biden vowed not to give up trying to gain their release.
“We’re going to get them home, we’re going to get ’em home, come hell or high water,” Biden said.
Biden has additionally urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, a stance he reiterated during his commencement address at Morehouse College on Sunday.
He also rebuffed the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor for suggesting he had sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense chief on accusations of war crimes.
The ICC prosecutor also announced on Monday that he had requested arrest warrants for Hamas leader Sinwar and two other Hamas officials.
Biden has faced mounting internal political pressure in recent months over his management of the Gaza conflict, as the Palestinian death toll rose to over 35,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and Israel’s blockade has resulted in severe humanitarian conditions in the region.
