Biden to Speak to the Nation about Israel Terror Attacks; US, UK, France, Germany Declare Support for Jewish State

President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House on Tuesday afternoon following Hamas’ unprecedented terror attack on Israel.

Biden’s comments are scheduled for 1 p.m. and come days after Hamas fighters invaded part of southern Israel, killing at least 900 people, most of them civilians, while taking about 100 hostages in a rapidly developing war.

In a statement on Monday, Biden said 11 Americans had been killed in the conflict, but noted it was likely more American citizens were among Hamas hostages.

“We see the immense size and scope of this tragedy,” Biden said.

“In this moment of heartbreak, the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with the Israelis. We remember the pain of terrorist attacks at home, and Americans across the country stand united against these evil acts that have once again claimed innocent American lives. It is a shame.’

Hamas fighters invaded part of southern Israel, killing at least 900 people, most of whom were civilians

Hamas is believed to have taken around 100 hostages in a rapidly developing war

In his statement, Biden confirmed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would “continue to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and its people” as Israel battles militant extremists.

Earlier on Monday, other leaders of Germany, Britain, France and Italy issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and expressing their “steadfast and united support” for Israel.

“In the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, together as allies and as common friends of Israel, to ensure that Israel can defend itself and to ultimately create the conditions for a peaceful and integrated region in the Middle East,” he said. the statement by Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

“We offer our steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its abhorrent acts of terror,” the leaders said.

Israel has now responded by launching deadly retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza after the defense minister called for a “full siege” of the coastal area.

On Monday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged his “steadfast support for Israel.” He visited a synagogue in north London for victims and hostages of Hamas attacks

Israel has now responded by launching deadly retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza after the defense minister called for a “full siege” of the coastal area. Smoke rises and a fireball appears above a building in Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on Monday

The Israeli military said 300,000 reservists have been called up amid speculation that a ground offensive in Gaza could be launched in the coming days.

The Biden administration is also deploying ships from the Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel.

An American official said this NBC News that the US plans to keep some F-16 and A-10 fighter jets in place.

In addition to the rising death toll in Israel, at least 700 people have also been killed in Gaza and the West Bank. the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

Britain, France and Germany have all signed declarations of support for the Jewish state

Early Tuesday morning, the Israeli army said it had largely gained control in the south and restored “full control” of the border.

Spokesman Richard Hecht said 1,500 bodies of Hamas militants have been found on Israeli territory and that no Hamas fighters have entered Israel since Monday evening, although infiltrations could still be possible.

Hecht said the army attacked hundreds of Hamas targets overnight in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, home to many Hamas ministries and government buildings.

He said residents were notified via social media to evacuate before the strikes, but did not elaborate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel’s fierce offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip “has only just begun.”

“We have only just begun to attack Hamas,” he said. “What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will haunt them for generations to come.”