Many right-wing figures have chastised President Joe Biden for hosting a BBQ at the White House when Israeli army and Hamas militants were engaged in severe fighting. Republican Missouri Senator Josh Hawley was among many who chastised Biden for holding the gathering on Sunday for White House personnel and their families, which included a live band. The tragedy occurred one day after Hamas launched a surprise large-scale offensive on Israel, firing thousands of rockets from Gaza and dispatching fighters to kill or kidnap civilians. Israel has declared war on the Islamist organization, which has been recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
Hamas is accused of kidnapping Israeli hostages, including elderly and children. According to Israel and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, American individuals may have been kidnapped, but the reports have yet to be substantiated. Benny Johnson, a political journalist and podcast host, tweeted that Biden called a lid at 11:34 a.m. and was enjoying a BBQ.
According to a White House official, Biden has repeatedly supported Israel in its defense against these heinous terrorist attacks. He held a long-planned celebration to thank the tireless non-political personnel that keep the White House functioning by operating kitchens, cleaning the White House, and assisting in keeping the complex safe. The day was chosen since there were no White House events that required their participation, and they could bring their families.
On Sunday, Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and conveyed his “deep sympathy” for all those who were missing, injured, or murdered in the “unprecedented and appalling assault by Hamas terrorists.” They talked about Hamas terrorists kidnapping entire families, the elderly, and young children as hostages. The President underscored that terrorism has no legitimacy and that all countries must stand united in the face of such heinous atrocities.
Biden also announced that the US will provide “additional assistance” to the Israeli Defense Forces in their fight against Hamas.
