In a ‘solidarity’ visit with Israel, US President Joe Biden declared his total support for Netanyahu’s war on the Palestinians, going as far as blaming Palestinians for a gruesome massacre at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday.
Biden had arrived in Israel on Wednesday morning, where he quickly began making statements regarding Israel’s right to defend itself, among other pro-Israeli stances.
GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The number of Palestinians killed and wounded in the Israeli war on Gaza rose to 3,478 killed, and over 12,000 wounded.
FOLLOW OUR LIVE BLOG: https://t.co/LqZV6YeFWJ pic.twitter.com/KHgcbrbEre
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 18, 2023
Below are some of the quotes, attributed to Biden by various US media during the visit:
ABC reported,
On Terrorism:
“Terrorists will not win, freedom will win .. The state of Israel …is a… was born to be a safe place of the Jewish people of the world. If Israel didn’t exist, we’d have to invent it.”
On the Israeli Massacre at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza:
“It appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” Biden said to Netanyahu about the blast.
On Civilians:
“Civilians are not to blame and should not suffer for Hamas’s horrific terrorism .. Civilian lives must be protected and assistance must urgently reach those in need.”
Russian President Vladimir #Putin said on Wednesday that the lethal attack on a hospital in the #Gaza Strip is a ‘tragedy and catastrophe’.https://t.co/1Iodm7nmGA pic.twitter.com/klZTqdHsYt
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 18, 2023
NBC reported:
On Israel:
“Long said, if Israel didn’t exist, we’d have to invent it. While it may not feel that way today, Israel must again be a safe place for the Jewish people. I promise you, we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure there will be.”
#US President Joe #Biden has told #Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu that he believed Tel Aviv’s assurances that it was not responsible for the strike on al-Ahli Hospital in #Gaza City on Tuesday night.https://t.co/9qda52b1T1 pic.twitter.com/uGeQXAYAf7
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 18, 2023
Associated Press (AP) reported,
On October 7 Being Israel’s 9/11:
“I understand. Many Americans understand .. You can’t look at what has happened here … and not scream out for justice. While you feel that rage, don’t be consumed by it.”
On Hamas ‘Stealing’ Aid:
“Let me be clear .. If Hamas diverts or steals the assistance, they will have demonstrated once again that they have no concern for the welfare of the Palestinian people.”
On Hamas:
“Hamas does not represent all the Palestinian people, and it has brought them only suffering.”
On US Support of Israel:
“I want you to know you’re not alone. We will continue to have Israel’s back as you work to defend your people .. We’ll continue to work with you and partners across the region to prevent more tragedy to innocent civilians.”
(The Palestine Chronicle)
