United States (US) Minister of Foreign Affairs Antony Blinken visited Israel yesterday. During his visit, Blinken emphasized US support for Israel.
"However, Palestine also has legitimate aspirations that are not represented by the Hamas group (the US term for Hamas)," said Blinken, quoted from Channel News Asia, Friday (13/10/2023).
“You (Israel) may be strong enough to defend yourself. But as long as the US is around, you don't have to. We will always be by your side," continued Blinken, who held a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
1. The US condemns Hamas' actions which do not carry the aspirations of the Palestinian people
The message that I bring to Israel is this: You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself – but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. pic.twitter.com/YJ5ss92guI
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 12, 2023
Apart from that, Blinken also said that Hamas' actions against Israel were acts of terror.
"Anyone who wants peace and justice must condemn Hamas' acts of terror," said Blinken again.
"We know that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live in security, freedom, justice and equal dignity," Blinken stressed again.
2. Netanyahu equates Hamas with ISIS
Met with Israeli President @Isaac_Herzog to discuss the situation on the ground and reaffirm our unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorism. pic.twitter.com/QDWIs4tzor
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 12, 2023
Responding to Blinken's statement, Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas was no different from the militant group Islamic State or ISIS.
“Just as ISIS was destroyed, Hamas will also be destroyed. And Hamas must be treated exactly as ISIS is treated,” Netanyahu said.
3. The death toll in Gaza reached 1,400 people
US: Hamas Does Not Represent Palestinians Buildings destroyed by Israeli Occupation attacks on the houses of Palestinian civilians in Gaza north of Jabalia Camp, north of the Al-Sikka area, Wednesday (11/11/2023). (doc. Foundation for Friendship and Civilization Studies (YPSP))
Meanwhile, the Gaza Ministry of Health said that the death toll in Gaza has now reached 1,417 people, including 447 children and 248 women. The number of injured people also reached 6 thousand.
In Israel, the death toll has now reached 1,300 people, including 247 Israeli army troops. At least 27 US citizens were also part of the victims of the war between Hamas and Israel.