The US, Israel’s staunch ally, has condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.
This came as the White House released a statement from US President, Joe Biden, marking the anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7 attacks on southern Israel.
In the statement, Biden said, “On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7th attacks, but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day.”
He expressed belief that history will also remember October 7 as a dark day for the Palestinian people because of the conflict that Hamas unleashed that day, adding that far too many civilians have suffered far too much during this year of conflict.
“We will not stop working to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza that brings the hostages home, allows for a surge in humanitarian aid to ease the suffering on the ground, assures Israel’s security, and ends this war. Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live in security, dignity, and peace.”
Joe Biden
In a separate statement released by the White House, the US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, said she would never forget the horror of October 7, 2023.
Harris vowed to do everything in her power to ensure that the threat Hamas poses is eliminated, that it is never again able to govern Gaza, that it fails in its mission to annihilate Israel, and that the people of Gaza are “free from the grip of Hamas.”
She pledged never to stop fighting for the release of all the hostages, including the seven American citizens and never to stop fighting for justice for those who murdered Hersh Goldberg-Polin and other Americans.
She stressed that she will always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists like Hamas. “My commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering,” she noted.
“It is far past time for a hostage and ceasefire deal to end the suffering of innocent people. And I will always fight for the Palestinian people to be able to realize their right to dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination.
“We also continue to believe that a diplomatic solution across the Israel-Lebanon border region is the only path to restore lasting calm and allow residents on both sides to return safely to their homes.”
Kamala Harris
US Spending On Israel’s War On Gaza Totals At Least $17.9bn
According to research from the Costs of War project at Brown University’s Watson Institute, US spending on Israel’s war on Gaza totals at least $17.9bn and counting since October 7, 2023.
The report, released on the anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, says expenditure includes $4bn towards replenishing Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defence systems, as well as cash for guns and jet fuel.
Research found American military operations elsewhere in the region, particularly in Yemen, which the Houthis say is related to Israel’s war on Gaza, have so far cost the US government $4.9bn.
The report noted that the US Navy has significantly scaled up its defensive and offensive operations against Houthi militants in Yemen. “Hostilities have escalated to become the most sustained military campaign by US forces since the 2016-2019 air war against ISIS [ISIL] in Iraq and Syria,” the report said.
Additionally, the analysis concluded that the Houthi-related conflict has also cost the maritime trade an additional $2.1bn, because shippers have been forced to divert vessels or pay exorbitant insurance fees.
It stated that as a result, US consumers may experience paying higher prices for goods.
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