US President Joe Biden condemned the indiscriminate killing of defenseless people by Hamas and offered condolences over the death toll of civilians in Gaza while making a call to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, a day after the world marked one year since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.
I extend my deepest condolences to the 1,200 innocent people brutally executed by Hamas in that day of unspeakable brutality, and to all the people and their families who have suffered so terribly, - Biden said on Monday, a readout from the White House of the call.
His administration said, according to readout provided by Xinhua news agency, support for Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Iran, along with the militant groups backed by Iran, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
"The President also expressed deep sadness for the loss of innocent life in Gaza and the ongoing suffering of Palestinian civilians" in Israel's retaliatory military operation in Gaza following the October 7 attack, the readout said.
"The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reaching an agreement in Gaza that returns the hostages, solidifies security for Israel, eases the suffering of Palestinian civilians, and clears a path toward an enduring peace with Hamas never again able to seize control of Gaza nor reconstitute its military capabilities," it said.
Moreover on Monday, President Biden and Mrs Jill Biden on Monday joined candle-lighting ceremonies at the White House in their remarks to the martyrs who were killed on October 7, 2023. The presidential couple was accompanied by a Rabbi who recited a Jewish prayer.
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