(Washington) “This is not a distant tragedy”: the United States now has at least 11 nationals killed in the Hamas attack, as well as probable hostages, and reiterated once again on Monday its support for Israel, adding their voice to those of their European allies.
Germany, the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom “will support Israel’s efforts to defend itself” and condemn Hamas “unambiguously”, according to a rare joint statement published after an interview leaders of the five countries.
“We all recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and believe that Israelis and Palestinians are equally entitled to justice and freedom. But let’s not kid ourselves: Hamas does not represent these aspirations,” say German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, American President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian head of government Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in this text released by the White House.
In the version released by France of the communiqué, the five powers call on “other extremist groups, or any state which could seek to take advantage of the situation, in particular Iran, not to seek to exploit this situation to others ends, nor to extend the conflict beyond Gaza.
The order to deploy the aircraft carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean USS Gerald Fordthe world’s largest warship, shows Iran-backed armed groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah that they should “not doubt the United States’ commitment to supporting Israel’s defense,” he said. said a senior American military official.
The United States, however, has “no intention” of sending troops there, said John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council.
Concerning Iran, the United States “has not seen solid and tangible proof of direct Iranian involvement” in the offensive launched on Saturday by Hamas, said this spokesperson.
He nonetheless considered that there was a “degree of complicity” from the Tehran regime, due to the latter’s long-standing support for the Palestinian Islamist group.
In a statement, Joe Biden deemed it “likely” that “American citizens are among those held” by the Palestinian Islamist group, which threatened on Monday to execute hostages.
The 80-year-old Democrat, before speaking publicly on Tuesday at the White House about these attacks, also indicated that the number of Americans killed in the Hamas attack now stood at at least 11.
“We remember the pain of being attacked by terrorists at home, and Americans across the country are united in the face of these horrific actions that have once again cost innocent American lives,” the US president said, announcing this new “heartbreaking” assessment.
The figure could change: the American government remained without news of some of its nationals on Monday.
“This is not a distant tragedy,” commented Joe Biden, while the White House will be lit on Monday evening in the colors of the Israeli flag.
He said police forces had “increased security” around places where the Jewish community gathers in the United States.