What’s happening in Gaza is not genocide, says Biden
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US President Joe Biden stressed his belief that Israel was the victim dating back to the Oct 7 Hamas attack.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden strongly defended Israel on May 20, saying its forces are not committing genocide in their military campaign against Hamas militants in Gaza, in a rejection of criticism from pro-Palestinian protesters.
“What’s happening in Gaza is not genocide. We reject that,” he said at a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House.
Mr Biden has faced protests at many of his events around the country from pro-Palestinian advocates who have labelled him “Genocide Joe” for his steadfast support for Israel.
In remarks at the White House event, he stressed his belief that Israel was the victim dating back to the Oct 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants
He added that support for the safety and security of Israelis by the US is “ironclad”.
“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 Mr Biden vowed not to give up over trying to gain their release.
“We’re going to get them home... come hell or high water,” he added.
Mr Biden has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, something that he reiterated in his commencement speech at Morehouse College on May 19.
He also described a request by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence chief over alleged war crimes as outrageous.
The ICC prosecutor on May 20 also said he requested arrest warrants for Hamas chief Sinwar and two other Hamas leaders.
Mr Biden in recent months has faced growing political pressure from his own party over his handling of the Gaza conflict. The Palestinian death toll has climbed to more than 35,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and Israel’s siege has created dire humanitarian conditions in the territory. REUTERS
