US President Joe Biden has strongly defended Israel saying Israeli forces are not committing genocide in their military campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, rejecting criticism from pro-Palestinian protesters.
“What is happening [em Gaza] it is not genocide. We reject that,” Biden said at a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House.
In remarks at the White House event, Biden emphasized his belief that Israel was a victim dating back to the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel by militants from the radical Islamic group, which killed 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage.
He said U.S. support for Israeli security is “steadfast.”
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stalled in an attempt to obtain the freedom of sick, elderly and injured hostages still held by the militants, but Biden has promised not to give up trying to obtain their release.
“We’re going to get them home, we’re going to get them home, rain or shine,” Biden said.
The president also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, something he reiterated in his commencement speech at Morehouse College last Sunday.
Biden also rebuffed the International Criminal Court prosecutor for saying he had requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense chief for alleged war crimes.
In recent months, Biden has faced increasing political pressure from his own party over his handling of the Gaza conflict, as the Palestinian death toll has risen to more than 35,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. , and Israel's siege created dire humanitarian conditions in the territory.
(Produced by Ivan Romero and Eva Weininger)
Source: CNN Brasil
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