On Monday, October 7th, as the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, sparking the one-year anniversary of the Gaza War. US President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris both issued statements calling for a ceasefire to allow for the return of hostages. US Secretary of Defense reiterated America’s “firm commitment” to Israel just a day before.
“We will not relent in our efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire agreement, bring the hostages home, allow for increased humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the local people, ensure Israel’s security, and end this war,” Biden wrote in a written statement released from the White House. “Both Israelis and Palestinians should have security, peace, and the dignity to live.”
On the anniversary, Biden condemned the merciless brutality of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th last year, resulting in over 1,200 deaths across all age groups, including 46 Americans, with over 250 innocent people taken hostage, including 12 Americans.
“Today and every day, I think about the hostages and their families. I have met with the families of hostages and mourned with them,” the President wrote in his statement. “My administration has negotiated the release of over 100 hostages, including Americans, for safety. We will never give up until we bring all remaining hostages safely home.”
“We commemorated a year of devastating war,” he said. “We commend the unwavering spirit of the Jewish people and mourn the victims of October 7th. I also strongly condemn the malignant spread of anti-Semitism in the US and around the world. This is unacceptable. We must all unite against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred.”
He said that for the past year, he and Vice President Harris have been “wholeheartedly committed to the security of the Jewish people, Israel’s security, and its right to exist. We support Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthi militants, and Iranian assaults.”
He stated that last week, under his leadership, the US military actively assisted Israel in successfully defending against and thwarting Iran’s ballistic missile attacks.
As the war between Hezbollah and Israel continues to escalate, Harris and Biden urged seeking a diplomatic solution. Both leaders reiterated US support for Israel’s right to self-defense against Iranian attacks.
Harris stated in a White House statement, “I will never cease to fight for the release of all hostages, including the seven American citizens still detained.”
“I will always ensure that Israel has the resources it needs to defend against terrorists such as Iran and Hamas,” she said. “The Hamas terror attack on October 7th triggered the Gaza War. My heart breaks for the scale of death and destruction in Gaza over the past year.”
“We will never forget, and we will not lose faith. In memory of all the souls we lost on October 7th, we must not ignore the dreams of peace, dignity, and security for all,” she wrote.
“I will always strive to secure dignity, freedom, safety, and self-determination for the Palestinian people,” Harris wrote in the statement. “We still believe that a diplomatic solution is the only way to restore lasting peace on the Israeli-Lebanese border and allow both sides’ residents to safely return home.”
On the previous Sunday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated the US’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security in a phone call.
“Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s launching the most severe terrorist attack in history against Israel,” he said. “The US reaffirms its commitment to Israel’s security, a Gaza ceasefire, and a resolution through diplomacy to enable the safe return of both Israeli and Lebanese border residents to their homes.”
Austin reiterated to Gallant the US stance that Israel has the right to self-defense, and pointed out that the US maintains “strong capabilities” to protect American personnel and support Israel’s self-defense.
Austin also expressed condolences for the two Israeli soldiers killed in the October 7th attack and wished for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
Austin and Gallant also emphasized their dedication to “preventing Iran and its supported partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or escalating the conflict.”
On Monday, Gallant and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to the victims of October 7th. At dawn, Israelis gathered at the Nova festival site to mourn those who perished there a year ago. A few hours later, a memorial event was held at Kibbutz Nir Oz. During last year’s Hamas attack on October 7th, a quarter of the region’s residents were killed or kidnapped.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry figures, the Gaza War has resulted in over 41,000 deaths, triggering a humanitarian crisis and escalating regional conflicts.
Netanyahu stated that Israel is currently facing war on seven fronts from Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas. The Israeli Defense Minister told CNN that “everything is under control” in response to Iran’s missile attack last week.
Gallant pledged in a statement that Israel will “win the war against its enemies on seven different fronts.”
Israeli police reported on Monday that Hezbollah had attacked various areas, including Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, injuring five people.
Hezbollah has been launching rocket attacks against Israel every day since October 8th last year to support its ally Hamas. Israeli officials said Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets towards the border areas on Sunday.
Israel has recently carried out airstrikes on Beirut, severely hitting Hezbollah in Lebanon, with most of the organization’s senior members being killed.
In the past few hours, Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah’s weapons storage facilities in the Beirut area, with secondary explosions indicating the presence of actual weapons.
(Adapted from CNN reporting)