President Biden on Saturday reaffirmed America's commitment to Israel as the Jewish State came under attack by Hamas militants, saying there is 'never a justification for terrorist attacks.'
President Joe Biden speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Washington, after the militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday. Thousands …President Biden on Saturday reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel as the Jewish State came under attack by Hamas militants, saying there is “never a justification for terrorist attacks.
“Let me say this as clearly as I can: This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching.” Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in the surprise early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday Saturday, killing dozens and stunning the country. Israel said it is now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to inflict an “unprecedented price.”
The strength, sophistication and timing of the Saturday morning attack shocked Israelis. Hamas fighters used explosives to break through the border fence enclosing the long-blockaded Mediterranean territory, then crossed with motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders and speed boats on the coast. The shadowy leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, said the assault was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, violence at Al Aqsa — the disputed Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount — increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians and growth of settlements.
Asked by reporters how Hamas had managed to catch the army off guard, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesman, replied, “That’s a good question.” The Israeli military confirmed that some Israelis had been taken captive. A spokesman for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Obeida, said the group was holding dozens of Israeli soldiers captive in “safe places” and tunnels in the Gaza Strip. If true, the claim could set the stage for complicated negotiations on a swap with Israel, which is holding thousands of Palestinians in its prisons.
“With rockets we somehow feel safer, knowing that we have the Iron Dome and our safe rooms. But knowing that terrorists are walking around communities is a different kind of fear,” said Mirjam Reijnen, a 42-year-old volunteer firefighter and mother of three in Nahal Oz.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Iran funded terror proxies launch war against Israel amid surprise invasion against Jewish stateAmid Biden’s infusion of $6 billion into Iran’s coffers, Tehran’s terror proxies launch war against the Jewish state.
Read more »
Biden warns Israel's enemies against taking advantage of fighting in Israel, GazaHis warning underscores the concern in the White House and in Israel about the possibility of the war broadening to other fronts.
Read more »
Rocket barrages strike southern Israel in operation claimed by Hamas, Netanyahu says Israel is ‘at war’Southern Israel was impacted by rocket barrages launched from the Gaza Strip on Saturday in an attack claimed by the Islamist movement Hamas.
Read more »
'We are being slaughtered': Israelis cry for help as Hamas militants break into homesVideo shows Hamas attacking Israel, pulling Israeli soldier from tank\nHamas surprise attack on Israel
Read more »
Hamas terrorism in Israel: Western leaders 'strongly condemn' attacksVideo shows Hamas attacking Israel, pulling Israeli soldier from tank\nHamas surprise attack on Israel
Read more »