October 17, 2023 – The White House (@WhiteHouse) – This morning, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed by their national security team on the latest updates regarding Hamas’s abhorrent attack in Israel and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
During the briefing, President Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining close coordination with international partners and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the security and well-being of Israel. He condemned the Hamas attack, stating, “We stand with our ally, Israel, in the face of this heinous act of terrorism. We will work closely with our partners to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.”
Vice President Harris expressed her concern for the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stressed the need for immediate assistance to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians. “We must prioritize the well-being of the people of Gaza and work towards a lasting solution that brings peace and stability to the region,” she said.
The national security team provided updates on the ongoing efforts to assess the damage caused by the attack and offered recommendations for potential actions to address the situation. President Biden and Vice President Harris directed the team to explore all available options and develop a comprehensive strategy to support Israel and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. (*)