In response to criticism from pro-Palestinian demonstrators, US President Joe Biden vehemently defended Israel on Monday, stating that Israeli soldiers are not carrying out genocide in their military assault against Hamas militants in Gaza.
“Genocide is not taking place in Gaza. We reject that,” Biden said while speaking at the White House during a Jewish American Heritage Month event about a case that was presented before the International Court of Justice, the main UN court located in The Hague, which claims that Israel’s acts constitute genocide.
Pro-Palestinian activists have criticized Biden for his unwavering support for Israel and called him “Genocide Joe” at several of his events across the nation.
During his speech at the White House event, Biden emphasized his conviction that Israel was the victim of a plot by Hamas militants that began on October 7 and resulted in 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of hundreds of people. He declared that American support for Israelis’ safety and security 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.
Though attempts to free the sick, old, and injured captives currently being held by the militants have stalled in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Biden promised not to give up on securing their release.
“We’re going to get them home, we’re going to get ’em home, come hell or high water,” he said.
Additionally, Biden has advocated for an early ceasefire in Gaza, a position he reaffirmed on Sunday at his commencement speech at Morehouse College.
