Biden claims ‘unwavering support’ for Israel

Washington (Uttam Hindu News): US President Joe Biden has expressed his unwavering support for the security of the Jewish people and Israel and their right to exist. He made the comments Monday night at a reception hosted by him and First Lady Jill Biden to celebrate the fifth night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, CNN reported. President Biden was joined by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and a group of White House officials who were Holocaust survivors.

According to the White House, about 800 guests attended the event, including Holocaust survivors, lawmakers, and various Jewish leaders. In his address, the President said: “We will Will continue to provide military assistance, but we have to be careful – they have to be careful. “Public opinion around the world can change overnight, we cannot let that happen.”

The President also praised the work done by his administration to secure the release of hostages still in Gaza and to deliver humanitarian aid to the region. “We are continuously working for the safe return of the hostages. I spent 20 hours with the Qataris, the Egyptians, the Israelis trying to make sure the hostages were freed, getting trucks in, getting humanitarian aid delivered, trying to convince them.” “And there are a lot of things going on right now that are really, really difficult. CNN quoted President Biden as saying, we have taken out more than 100 hostages and we are not going to stop until we get every single one of them home.

According to the White House, seven American men and one woman are still missing since the Israel-Hamas war began. So far four Americans – a four-year-old girl and three women – have been released. Israeli officials have said that about 137 people, including foreign nationals, are being held in Gaza. During the humanitarian pause from 24–30 November, 86 Israeli and 24 foreign hostages were released.