Biden confirms Israel killed more than 30,000 people in Gaza, used starvation as a bargaining chip

 US President Joe Biden called on Israel not to use humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip as a “bargaining chip,” noting that he was working to reach “an immediate ceasefire that will last at least six weeks,” while he ordered the army to establish a temporary port in Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip.

Biden said that more than 30,000 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip and that most of them were not members of the Hamas movement.

This came in his State of the Union address to Congress, in which he noted that “Israel lived through the bloodiest day since the Holocaust” following the Hamas attacks on October 7.

“I am working nonstop to reach an immediate ceasefire that will last for at least six weeks,” Biden said Thursday.

He pointed out that he “directed the US military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary dock in the Mediterranean Sea on the coast of Gaza that can receive large ships loaded with food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters” and that would “allow for a huge increase in the amount of humanitarian aid arriving in Gaza every day.”

Full text of part of President Joe Biden’s  State of the Union Address, in which he addressed the Middle East and the War in Gaza as provided by the White House:

As we manage challenges at home, we’re also managing crises abroad including in the Middle East.

 I know the last five months have been gut-wrenching for so many people, for the Israeli people, the Palestinian people, and so many here in America.

 This crisis began on October 7th with a massacre by the terrorist group Hamas.

 1,200 innocent people women and girls men and boys slaughtered, many enduring sexual violence.

 The deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

 250 hostages taken.

 Here in the chamber tonight are American families whose loved ones are still being held by Hamas.

 I pledge to all the families that we will not rest until we bring their loved ones home.

 We will also work around the clock to bring home Evan and Paul, Americans being unjustly detained all around the world.

 Israel has a right to go after Hamas.

 Hamas could end this conflict today by releasing the hostages, laying down arms, and surrendering those responsible for October 7th.

 Israel has an added burden because Hamas hides and operates among the civilian population. But Israel also has a fundamental responsibility to protect innocent civilians in Gaza.

 This war has taken a greater toll on innocent civilians than all previous wars in Gaza combined.

 More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed.

 Most of whom are not Hamas.

 Thousands and thousands are innocent women and children.

 Girls and boys also orphaned.

 Nearly 2 million more Palestinians under bombardment or displaced.

 Homes destroyed, neighborhoods in rubble, cities in ruin.

 Families without food, water, medicine.

 It’s heartbreaking.

 We’ve been working non-stop to establish an immediate ceasefire that would last for at least six weeks.

 It would get the hostages home, ease the intolerable humanitarian crisis, and build toward something more enduring.

 The United States has been leading international efforts to get more humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

 Tonight, I’m directing the U.S. military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters.

 No U.S. boots will be on the ground.

 This temporary pier would enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day.

 But Israel must also do its part.

 Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the cross fire.

 To the leadership of Israel I say this.

 Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip.

 Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority.

 As we look to the future, the only real solution is a two-state solution.

 I say this as a lifelong supporter of Israel and the only American president to visit Israel in wartime.

 There is no other path that guarantees Israel’s security and democracy.

 There is no other path that guarantees Palestinians can live with peace and dignity.

 There is no other path that guarantees peace between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors, including Saudi Arabia. 

 Creating stability in the Middle East also means containing the threat posed by Iran. 

 That’s why I built a coalition of more than a dozen countries to defend international shipping and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

 I’ve ordered strikes to degrade Houthi capabilities and defend U.S. Forces in the region.

 As Commander in Chief, I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and military personnel. 

 

Media coverage of the address: