Staff Reports
President Biden expressed his condolences over the tragic hospital explosion in Gaza, but he made it clear that Israel was not to blame for the devastating rocket attack that claimed 500 lives. During a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the president referred to U.S. intelligence, which suggested that the attack was the work of an Islamic jihad rocket.
Biden says Israel is not to blame for Gaza hospital attack that left 500 dead https://t.co/MeDvG7NFvp
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 18, 2023
“I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” President Biden spoke candidly to Prime Minister Netanyahu. “But there’s a lot of people out there, not sure, so we’re going to overcome a lot of things.”
The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza has claimed that the explosion was caused by an Israeli airstrike and described it as a tragic consequence of the ongoing Israeli bombardment. However, the Israeli military has vehemently denied any involvement and attributed the blast to a misfired Palestinian rocket.
President Biden’s remarks not only support Israel’s denial of responsibility but also highlight the rapidly evolving nature of the situation. In a statement following the attack, the president assured that his national security team would diligently gather information to ascertain the truth.
Arriving in Israel, still recovering from the recent terror attack by Hamas, President Biden’s visit has served as a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the nation. The October 7 attack by the Muslim terrorist group claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis, including 30 Americans, and has left hundreds held hostage, including a small number of Americans.
This trip marks the president’s strongest declaration of support for Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, as the nation continues to wage war against the terrorist organization.
