In a show of solidarity during his visit to Israel on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden stood by the country’s account that Palestinian militants were responsible for a devastating hospital strike in Gaza.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Biden expressed deep sorrow for the explosion that claimed the lives of between 200 and 300 people, according to Gaza health authorities.
Biden stated, “It appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” emphasizing the need to address uncertainties surrounding the incident. He highlighted that Hamas, responsible for the attack, does not represent all Palestinians and has brought suffering to its own people. The U.S. President urged Netanyahu to ensure aid reaches innocent Palestinians caught in the conflict, reinforcing the importance of providing life-saving assistance.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously announced that Israel had agreed to collaborate with the United States on a plan to deliver aid to Gaza, which has been under siege for 12 days and a blockade for 16 years. Biden praised the courage and commitment of the Israeli people and expressed his pride in visiting Israel.
Netanyahu, who faced domestic criticism following the deadliest attack in Israel’s history, welcomed Biden’s visit, emphasizing that it was the first visit by an American president during a time of war. He called for global unity against Hamas, comparing the need for solidarity to previous efforts against Nazis and ISIS. Netanyahu assured President Biden of Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas and eliminate the threat it poses.