In a highly anticipated address, President Biden is set to speak to the American people from the Oval Office on Thursday night, providing updates on America’s response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The address, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., comes on the heels of Biden’s visit to Israel, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed the war in the region, along with the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
During his visit, President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ support for Israel but also expressed the need to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza. Speaking to reporters on his return to Washington, D.C., Biden emphasized the importance of delivering aid quickly, stating, “I was very blunt about the need to support getting humanitarian aid to Gaza – get it to Gaza and do it quickly.” The president received no pushback from Netanyahu on this matter.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated when the terrorist group infiltrated the country on October 7, launching thousands of rockets at residential areas and causing the deaths of more than a thousand civilians. The brutal attacks also resulted in hundreds of hostages being taken. Tragically, the war has claimed the lives of at least 4,200 people on both sides, including 1,400 Israeli civilians and soldiers, as well as 31 Americans. Palestinian health authorities report that over 2,800 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,950 wounded.
Notably, evidence suggests that Hamas terrorists may have used weapons sourced from North Korea in their attacks on Israel. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the conflict and underscores the need for a swift resolution.
In addition to addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict, President Biden is expected to discuss “Russia’s ongoing brutal war against Ukraine” during his address. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate, the president will likely seek additional military assistance for both countries. A funding request, estimated to be around $100 billion over the next year, is expected to be rolled out on Friday. This figure is likely to include not only support for Israel and Ukraine but also funding for Taiwan’s defense and managing the flow of migrants at the southern border with Mexico.
The president’s upcoming address holds significant importance as it sheds light on the United States’ stance on global conflicts and its commitment to supporting its allies. The American people will be eagerly awaiting President Biden’s remarks as they navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.
