(Washington, DC) – In a nearly 15-minute-long speech Thursday night from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden addressed the nation on the United States’ response to the Hamas attacks on Israel and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“We are facing an inflection point in history,” Biden said. The President made the remarks less than 24 hours after returning from a trip to Israel, where he met with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his cabinet and citizens of Israel. Biden said he also has spoken with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abass.
“Hamas unleashed ‘pure, unexhilarated evil on the world,’” Biden said.
In Israel, at least 32 Americans have died, and there are still many others being held hostage.
“We’re pursuing every avenue to bring their loved ones home,” President Biden said. “As President, there is no higher priority for me than the safety of Americans held hostage.”
He said the United States still has a commitment to Palestine.
““I reiterated that the United States remains committed to the Palestinian people and their right to dignity and self-determination,” President Biden said.
He said the attack on Israel comes on the heels of months of tragedy in Ukraine.
“The assault on Israel echoes nearly 20 months of war, tragedy and brutality inflicted on the people of Ukraine,” Biden said. “If we don’t stop Putin’s appetite for power and control in Ukraine, he won’t limit himself to just Ukraine.”
