Dialogue between Israel and Hamas: Israeli-Puincluded Humanitarian Aid to the Palestinians in Gaza and the Implications for the Future of the World
The president gave remarks from the Oval Office on Thursday on the wars between Israel and Hamas. The following is a transcript of his remarks, as recorded by The New York Times.
We are facing a point in history. There are a few times in our lives where we make decisions that will determine the future for decades to come. That’s what I’d like to talk with you about tonight.
In talks with leaders of Israel and Egypt I was able to secure an agreement for the first shipment of UN humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza. If Hamas doesn’t steal or divert the shipments, we will be able to deliver more humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.
The Jewish people know that there is no limit to the evil that can be done by a group like Hamas.
The explosion that killed Palestinians at the hospital in Gaza was not done by the Israelis, I am so sad about it. We don’t understand how innocent life can be lost. We can’t ignore the plight of innocent Palestinians who want to live in peace.
You know, the assault on Israel is almost identical to the attacks on the people of Ukraine, people that were very badly hurt by Putin’s invasion.
We’ve not forgotten the mass graves, the bodies found bearing signs of torture, rape used as a weapon by the Russians, and thousands and thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly taken into Russia, stolen from their parents.
Hamas and Putin both pose different threats, but they share the same one. They both want to destroy a neighboring democracy. Hamas’ stated purpose for existing is the destruction of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. Hamas does not have a representation for the Palestinians. Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields, and innocent Palestinian families are suffering greatly because of them.
If we don’t stop Putin’s appetite for power and control inUkraine, he wont limit himself just to Ukraine. He is. Putin has threatened to remind Poland that their land was a gift from Russia. One of his top advisers, a former president of Russia, has called Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Russia’s Baltic provinces.
The world is held together by American leadership. America is safe, because of American alliances. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with. To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it’s just not worth it.
We have learned from history that when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror, and dictators don’t pay a price for their aggression, there will be more chaos and death. They keep on going. The cost and threats to America and the world are continuing to rise.
NATO allies and the defenders of Israel, Iran and Ukraine: Biden’s speech on Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Wars
These are all NATO allies. For 75 years NATO has maintained stability in Europe. The cornerstone of American security is what it is. If Putin attacks a NATO ally, we’ll defend every inch of NATO, which the treaty requires and calls for.
We will have something we do not want. Make it clear — we do not seek — we do not seek to have American troops fighting in Russia or fighting against Russia.
Beyond Europe, we know that our allies, and maybe most importantly our adversaries and competitors, are watching. They’re watching our response in Ukraine as well. And if we walk away and let Putin erase Ukraine’s independence, would-be aggressors around the world would be emboldened to try the same. The Middle East could be affected by conflict and chaos in other parts of the world. Iran is supporting Russia in Ukraine, and it’s supporting Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region. And we’ll continue to hold them accountable, I might add.
Source: Full Transcript: Biden’s Speech on Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Wars
Israel’s Security and Security Against Hate from the Middle East: Biden’s Speech on Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Wars
The United States is working with partners in the region to build a brighter future for the Middle East. One where the Middle East is more stable, better connected to its neighbors, and through innovative projects like the India, Middle East and Europe rail corridor that I announced this year at the summit of the world’s biggest economies, more predictable markets, more employment, less rage, less grievances, less war when connected. It benefits the people. It would benefit the people of the Middle East, and it would benefit us.
In Israel, we must make sure that they have what they need to protect their people today and always. The security package I’m sending to Congress and asking Congress to do is an unprecedented commitment to Israel’s security that will sharpen Israel’s qualitative military edge, which we’ve committed to: the qualitative military edge. We’re going make sure Iron Dome continues to guard the skies over Israel. We’re going to make sure other hostile actors in the region know that Israel’s stronger than ever and prevent this conflict from spreading.
You know, and here at home we have to be honest with ourselves. In recent years, too much hate has given too much oxygen, fueling racism, a rise in antisemitism, Islamic-phobia, right here in America.
We can’t stand by and stand silent when this happens. We must without equivocation denounce antisemitism. We must also without equivocation denounce Islamophobia.
Source: Full Transcript: Biden’s Speech on Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Wars
I see you. You are all Americans, and I want you to know that Israel is a great nation not to be blind by hatred and Russia-Ukraine wars
And to all you hurting, those of you who are hurting, I want you to know I see you. You belong. And I want to say this to you: You’re all America. You are all Americans.
This is in a moment where — you know, in moments like these, when fear and suspicion, anger and rage run hard — that we have to work harder than ever to hold on to the values that make us who we are. We’re a nation of religious freedom, freedom of expression. We all have a right to argue and disagree, without fear of being discriminated against in schools, offices or our communities.
When I was in Israel yesterday, I said that when America experienced the hell of 9/11, we felt enraged as well, and while we sought and got justice, we made mistakes. So I caution the government of Israel not to be blinded by rage.
And here in America, let us not forget who we are. We reject all forms, all forms of hate, whether against Muslims, Jews, or anyone. That’s what great nations do. We are a great nation.
Source: Full Transcript: Biden’s Speech on Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Wars
The United States is a beacon to the world, still, still. What do Ukrainians are asking for from the United States: What do they want to do about it?
I would like Congress to keep sending weapons to Ukraine so that they can stop Putin from attacking the country.
They are succeeding. When he started invadingUkraine, Putin thought he was going to take all of the country in a few days. Putin has failed over the course of a year.
The bravery of Ukrainians is the reason why Kyiv still stands. Ukraine has regained more than 50 percent of the territory Russian troops once occupied. More than 50 countries have endorsed the U.S.-led coalition to back up the support of Kyiv.
From the outset, I have said I will not send American troops to fight in Ukraine. All Ukraine is asking for is help, for the weapons, munitions, the capacity, the capability to push invading Russian forces off their land. Ukrainian cities will be destroyed by Russian missiles before the air defense systems shoot them down.
We send Ukraine equipment sitting in our stockpiles. We use the money we get from Congress to replenish our stores and stock up on equipment. Equipment that defends America and is made in America. Patriot missiles for air defense batteries, made in Arizona. Artillery shells manufactured in 12 states across the country, in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas. And so much more.
I boarded Air Force One in order to take a flight to Poland. I boarded the train in the middle of the night and rode it for a decade to stand with the Ukrainian people in their fight against Putin. I am told I was the first American to enter a war zone not controlled by the US military.
With me was just a small group of security personnel and a few advisers. When I got off that train and met Zelensky, I wasn’t alone. I was bringing with me the idea of America, the promise of America, to the people who are today fighting for the same things we fought for 250 years ago: freedom, independence, self-determination. And as I walked through Kyiv with President Zelensky, with air raid sirens sounding in the distance, I felt something I’ve always believed more strongly than ever before: America is a beacon to the world, still, still.
There are many innocent people around the world who hope that we will change their lives. People believe in a better life because of us. Who are desperate not to be forgotten by us. And who are waiting for us.
I know we have our divisions at home. We need to get past them. We can’t let petty, partisan, angry politics get in the way of our responsibilities as a great nation. We will not allow Terrorists like Hamas and Putin to win. I refuse to let that happen.
We need to remind ourselves who we are in moments like this. We are Americans, the United States of America. The United States of America. And there is nothing, nothing beyond our capacity, if we do it together.
President Biden told Americans in a rare Oval Office address on Thursday that it was in the national interest of Americans to back democracies that found themselves under attack.
Biden’s White House is Asking for Almost $106 Billion for Israel, Ukraine and the Border: An Analysis of Sullivan and Sullivan
He asked Congress for $106 billion in funding for Israel and Ukraine, as well as counter-China in the Pacific and operations on the border.
The fate of the request rests in the hands of Congress, where the Republican-led House of Representatives is currently without a speaker — making it impossible or at least extremely difficult for any funding package to move forward.
Dan Sullivan told NPR that linking the priorities could be a way to pass the package. He said that sometimes a bill or a funding package that you do not agree with can broaden the support.
Earlier this fall, Biden asked for $24 billion to get Ukraine through December, with most of the money going to military aid. The request is designed to go through September of 2024. It includes weapons, equipment, support for U.S. troops in Europe, and economic support for Ukraine’s government.
In Tel Aviv, Biden promised an “unprecedented” package of aid to support Israel after the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7. The request includes funding for air and missile defense, military financing, and embassy support.
The support for Israel is included. The breakdown of this funding is “flexible,” White House budget director Shalanda Young told reporters, depending on where the need is greatest.
This will provide support to “multiple countries” in the region, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters. It was not immediately available.
Reply to “Cosmology of the United States as a Self-Governing State,” by Fentanyl and McConnell
Senate Republicans — including Leader Mitch McConnell — have said they want to make sure Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory, can deter Bejing from attacking. Materials given to reporters didn’t mention Taiwan.
The request includes money for U.S. shipyards that build attack submarines, and $2 billion for the World Bank to provide alternatives to China’s Belt and Road lending to developing countries.
The White House did not get the $4 billion that they asked for to help deal with Fentanyl and Migrants at the southern US border. This new request is broader and includes money for detention facilities, border agents, asylum officers, and state and local governments struggling to provide services to migrants.