In a recent statement, United States President Joe Biden has expressed outrage over the ongoing attacks by Hamas in Israel and the hundreds of Americans being held hostage by the militant group.
The president released a statement condemning Hamas for their continued efforts to stoke violence in the region. He insisted that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terroristic activities, and the US would continue to stand by its committed ally.
At the same time, President Biden decried Hamas for holding captured US citizens hostage and violating basic human rights with their detention. He urged the militant group to release those taken captive and allow them to return to their families without any further bloodshed.
The Biden administration also reiterated its commitment to “support the security, safety, and prosperity of the Israeli people.” He promised to continue to ramp up sanctions on any entity that funds or supports Hamas’ terroristic activities and commended the resilience of the Israeli citizens in the face of the attacks.
The US President’s statement comes amidst a steady escalation of violence in the region, which is now in its fourth week. Although Hamas has initially called for a ceasefire, neither side has officially made any indication of a desire to make peace with the other.
In the meantime, the Biden administration is ramping up its efforts to support Israeli military operations, while at the same time trying to broker a lasting peace agreement between the two sides. The US President has repeatedly called for a ceasefire that will allow both sides to build meaningful trust and pursue a lasting two-state solution.
As this conflict continues to reach dangerous levels of violence, it is of utmost importance for Hamas to demonstrate that it is willing to take concrete steps towards peace. Holding a few US citizens hostage is not only wrong but does not demonstrate any commitment to peace or negotiation. It is high time that Hamas finally shows its commitment to creating a lasting solution and allowing the people in the region to find peace.
