In a rare display of empathy, President Biden has made a solemn commitment to utilize every resource at his disposal to reunite the 14 missing Americans with their families following the Hamas terror attack in Israel. During a speech in Philadelphia, originally focused on the promotion of hydrogen energy (an urgent matter at hand), the President briefly addressed the heart-wrenching plight faced by the families of the missing Americans.
President Biden expressed his deep anguish, stating, "It is truly heart-wrenching. These families are enduring unimaginable pain not knowing the fate of their loved ones. I want to personally assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that I am fully dedicated to bringing them home safely. We are tirelessly working around the clock to make this a reality."
But President Biden's remarks did not conclude there. He seized the moment to condemn the Hamas attack on Israel, characterizing the group as even more reprehensible than Al Qaeda. He emphatically declared, "These individuals make Al Qaeda appear relatively benign. They are purely malevolent, and the United States unequivocally stands with Israel in the face of this heinous act of terrorism."
Nonetheless, in a rare moment of sobriety, President Biden acknowledged that not all the civilians in Gaza bear responsibility for the actions of Hamas. He expressed concern for the innocent individuals caught in the crossfire and assured that his administration is diligently working to address the potential humanitarian crisis in the region.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby shed light on President Biden's conversation with the family members of the missing Americans. Kirby confirmed that the President personally conveyed his prayers to the families and pledged that the U.S. government is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to locate and rescue their loved ones. Other high-ranking officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, were also present during the call.
The fate of the 14 missing Americans remains uncertain, but U.S. officials believe that Hamas is accountable for their abduction. In close collaboration with Israel, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern allies, the U.S. government is sparing no effort to secure their safe return. Our hopes and prayers are with these Americans, and we fervently desire their prompt reunification with their families.