Joe Biden
While addressing White House celebration for Jewish American Heritage Month on Monday, US President Joe Biden declared that what is happening in Gaza is not genocide and reaffirmed his support for Israel, according to The Hill.
Speaking to dozens of attendees in the Rose Garden, Biden denied accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, denounced a request by the International Criminal Court for an arrest warrant against Israeli officials for war crimes, and vowed to back Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
“I know today’s reception falls on hard times. The trauma of October 7 and its aftermath … is still fresh and ongoing for many of you,” Biden said, referencing the Hamas attacks last year that killed more than 1,000 Israelis.
“Let me be clear, contrary to allegations against Israel made by the International Court of Justice, what’s happening is not genocide. We reject that,” he added. “And we’ll always stand with Israel in the threats against its security.”
According to The Hill, other Biden aides have also dismissed the idea that Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and left many more without access to enough food, water, or medical care, constitutes genocide.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) were among the attendees at the reception on Monday. Additionally, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American Israeli-American hostage by Hamas, had his parents acknowledged by Biden.
In an interview, Biden stated that his government was attempting to arrange for the release of the remaining hostages who were kidnapped on October 7 “and we’re going to get them home.”
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