In a televised address from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden urged the American people to combat the rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, citing the prevalence of hate as a driving force behind these disturbing trends.
The President also announced a substantial commitment to bolster the defenses of both Israel and Ukraine, highlighting the unique threats posed by Hamas and Russia.
President Biden stressed that while Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin represent distinct challenges, both share a common goal: the annihilation of neighboring democracies. “Hamas and Putin represent different threats but both want to annihilate a neighboring democracy,” Biden said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, President Biden affirmed the United States’ commitment to a two-state solution that would grant self-governance to Palestinians.
He expressed the belief that supporting Israel in its efforts to counter Hamas could coexist with the pursuit of Palestinian rights. “Palestinians have a right to dignity and self-determination – the action of Hamas does not take that right away,” he declared.
Addressing the recent violence, President Biden condemned the October 7 invasion by Hamas, which resulted in the loss of 1,400 Israeli lives, including “babies and grandparents.”
He described this act as “pure, undiluted evil” and emphasized the importance of holding terrorists accountable for their actions. “History has taught us when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror and dictators don’t pay a price for their dictatorships, they keep going,” he cautioned.
The President concluded by emphasizing the significance of American leadership in the world.
“We have to remember who we are. We are the United States of America. And there is nothing, nothing we can’t do if we do it together,” he asserted, urging unity and resolve in the face of global challenges.
President Biden’s address comes at a critical juncture in U.S. foreign policy, as the nation grapples with complex international issues and strives to maintain a stance of diplomacy and leadership on the world stage. #featured