Blinken landed in Tel Aviv earlier in the day to express America’s support to the Jewish state.
By Smartencyclopedia with agencies
Following the breach of the border by Hamas militants, who govern Gaza, on Saturday, a wave of horrifying violence unfolded as they systematically targeted Israelis. They went door-to-door, resulting in the mass murder of innocent individuals, including young people at a music festival, entire families, parents killed in front of their children, and children shot in the presence of their parents. Additionally, distressing images emerged of people burned inside a car.
During a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to express America’s support for Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exhibited some of these gruesome images of infants killed by Hamas. Netanyahu’s office released a tweet stating that he presented Blinken with “horrifying photos of babies who fell victim to the abominable actions of Hamas.” These images portrayed the charred and blood-stained bodies of innocent infants.
Netanyahu also discussed these atrocities during a joint press conference with Blinken. He condemned Hamas as an enemy of civilization, citing acts such as the mass killing of young people at an outdoor music festival, the brutal slaying of entire families, the murder of parents in front of their children, the killing of children in front of their parents, and the horrifying act of burning people alive. He further mentioned beheadings and the abduction and abuse of a young boy, emphasizing that celebrating such horrors is deeply disturbing.
Netanyahu expressed agreement with US President Joe Biden’s characterization of these acts as “sheer evil.” He likened Hamas to ISIS, vowing that just as ISIS was defeated, so too would Hamas be. He called for Hamas to be treated in a manner similar to ISIS, expelled from the community of nations, and subject to sanctions, emphasizing that no leaders or nations should engage with them.
Previously, President Biden described Hamas’ attack on Israel as “an act of sheer evil” and expressed shock at the disturbing reports of terrorists beheading children. However, a White House official later clarified that Biden did not view such images but was responding to reports from Israel.
Secretary Blinken acknowledged the tragic loss of innocent lives due to Hamas’ heinous attacks, including at least 25 American citizens. He noted that the United States was providing support to Israel, including ammunition and interceptors for the Iron Dome defense system, along with other defensive materials.
Blinken stated that the initial shipments of US military support had already reached Israel, with more on the way. He reassured Israel that the Biden administration would adapt to evolving defense needs in collaboration with Congress, and he echoed President Biden’s clear warning to potential adversaries considering exploiting the current crisis to attack Israel: “Don’t, the United States stands firmly with Israel.”
Additionally, Blinken conveyed the message that the United States would always stand by Israel’s side, emphasizing that while Israel possessed the strength to defend itself independently, it would never have to do so alone as long as America existed.