STATESIDE STORIES: US Backs Israel in its Fight Against Hamas

US President Joe Biden speaks before the Jewish community about his Administration’s unwavering
support for Israel following Hamas’ terrorist attacks, and commitment to antisemitism, 
October 2023. Jewish Second Gentleman Douglas Emhof also spoke at the meeting. 

by Mary Foran

The number of Americans who have died in the fighting between Israel and Hamas has risen to 27, a White House official said. “We’re doing everything we can to support and inform the families of the victims,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. An additional 14 American citizens remain unaccounted for.

Beautiful sunset on a beach in Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip during a time of unaccustomed peace

Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, also kidnapped 160 hostages as part of the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.

Some 250 young people were slaughtered at a music festival and there have been stories of rapes and the beheading of babies.

Map of Israel-Hamas War 2023. Hamas launched its terrorist attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip.

The US aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, sits ready in the eastern Mediterranean. There is mounting speculation over just how involved US forces could get in the conflict.

The US military has also moved a number of fighter jets into the region, including F-16s, to “augment existing fighter squadrons in the region.”

US Central Command General Michael Kurilla said, “The arrival of these highly capable forces to this region is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation.”

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Remarks by President Biden on the Terrorist Attacks in Israel, 10 October 2023

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Images
Featured image/WhiteHouse.Gov, CC BY3.0 (https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/)
Gaza Strip beach/Mujaddara, CC BY-SA3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Map of Israel-Hamas 2023 war/Ecrusized, influenced by user Rr016. CC BY-SA4.0 via Wikimedia Commons