President Biden made an address to the American people from the Oval Office on Thursday night, discussing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. He urged Congress to pass $100 billion in new funding to support the war effort, although Congressional Republicans are resistant to providing new money to Ukraine. Biden emphasized the responsibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin and terrorist group Hamas for the October 7 attack on Israel. He warned that unchecked actors like Putin could embolden aggressors worldwide.
Biden stated that American leadership, alliances, and values are crucial for global stability and security. He rejected the notion of American troops engaging in conflict with Russia and pledged to prioritize the safety of Americans held hostage. The president also addressed the urgency of providing foreign aid to Gaza, emphasizing the need for Israel to operate by the laws of war while expressing concern for the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
On the international front, Biden discussed the need for sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians while emphasizing the importance of not giving up on peace and a two-state solution. He highlighted his commitment to the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination, despite condemning the actions of Hamas. Biden expressed his sorrow over the loss of Palestinian life in Gaza and reiterated that the hospital explosion was caused by an errant rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, not by the Israelis.
