After President Joe Biden claimed to have viewed photographs of terrorists beheading children in Israel, the White House had to retract the statement, asserting that Biden’s remarks were based on news reports.
In a meeting with Jewish community leaders held at the White House on Wednesday, President Biden expressed his shock and dismay at the brutality of the Hamas attack on Israel. He stated, “This attack was a campaign of pure cruelty, not just hate, but pure cruelty, against the Jewish people.” Biden further commented on his disbelief over witnessing images of children being beheaded by terrorists.
However, following these remarks, a White House official clarified to The New York Times that President Biden’s comments were informed by news stories and not by any direct evidence or photographs.
The origin of the claim regarding the beheadings dates back to an IDF soldier, David Ben Zion, Deputy Commander of Unit 71 of the Israeli army, who initially made the statement. Following Biden’s comments, the affirmation seemed to receive an unintended endorsement.
However, the reality on the ground is devastating. The recent Hamas attack on Israel left trails of horror, with reports of children’s beds drenched in blood. In the aftermath of the attack, images and stories have been shared, capturing the tragic aftermath and underscoring the severity of the situation.
The death toll resulting from the Hamas attacks has currently reached 1,200 in Israel, with a further 1,100 casualties in Gaza. Hamas has reportedly taken around 150 hostages, including Americans, and threatens to execute them should Israel pursue a ground invasion of Gaza.
President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Israel, terming the Hamas attack as the “deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.” He also emphasized ongoing U.S. efforts to secure the release of the hostages.
Netanyahu, in a televised address, relayed chilling accounts of the attack’s horrors, sharing details of beheadings, violence, and people being burned alive. Drawing a parallel between Hamas and ISIS, he vowed retribution that would be remembered by the terrorist group for generations.
Biden and Netanyahu have been in constant communication since the attack, with Biden drawing a comparison between the Hamas assault and the Holocaust. He further warned Iran, emphasizing U.S. commitment and aid to Israel.
