US Denounces Hamas Attacks Against Israel, Pledges Support
Ken Afor
On Saturday, the US “unequivocally” denounced attacks by “Hamas terrorists” against Israel and vowed to make sure the vital US ally is provided with the needed support to defend itself.
According to a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden received information on “the horrifying Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel,” and he kept in close contact with Israeli allies as events unfolded.
Early on Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel from the air, sea, and land.
“The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that “there is never any justification for terrorism.”
After the unexpected dawn attack from the Gaza Strip’s blockade, Israel declared that it was at war with Hamas.
“We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Watson said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the “unwavering” commitment of the United States to ensuring that Israel could exercise its right to self-defense.
“Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Austin said.
According to a US State Department report from 2021, Israel has benefited from lavish US military aid totaling more than $125 billion since its founding.
This has helped it build “one of the world’s most capable, effective militaries and turned the Israeli military industry and technology sector into one of the largest exporters of military capabilities worldwide,” the report said.
According to a statement from the White House, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi on Saturday and will keep in touch.
Before Saturday’s attack, President Biden had hoped to change the Middle East and win pre-election points for diplomacy by getting Saudi Arabia, the country that protects the two holiest sites in Islam, to recognize the Jewish state.
