Biden marks Passover with statement of ‘ironclad’ support for Israel

President Biden emphasized his unwavering support for Israel as he marked the beginning of Passover with a message on Sunday. In his statement, he drew a poignant connection between the Jewish holiday and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, stressing the resilience of faith in the face of persecution.

Biden condemned what he described as "Hamas' despicable atrocities" and reiterated his steadfast commitment to the safety of the Jewish people and the security of Israel. Amid mounting criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza, particularly from within his own party, Biden reaffirmed his administration's efforts to broker a temporary cease-fire to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

However, negotiations for the release of approximately 100 hostages have hit roadblocks, with the Israeli military advancing towards a potential invasion of Rafah despite warnings against further escalation. Biden assured that his administration is diligently working to bring the hostages home and emphasized the pursuit of a two-state solution for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The president's message also addressed the recent escalation of tensions triggered by Iran's missile strikes on Israel, underscoring the need to prevent a wider regional conflict. Despite the interception of most incoming missiles, the incident underscored the volatile nature of the region.

Additionally, Biden condemned the rise of antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against hateful conduct in all its forms, including online and in communities. He stressed that silence in the face of antisemitism amounts to complicity, echoing his administration's ongoing efforts to combat bigotry and discrimination.

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to unfold, Biden's message reaffirms the United States' commitment to supporting Israel's security while also advocating for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2024-04-23

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