"Hamas hiding behind Palestinian civilians": Biden at joint briefing with Australian PM Albanese

Oct 26, 2023

Washington DC (USA), October 26 (ANI): Amid Israel's military response to the October 7 terror attacks, US President Joe Biden on October 26, said the terrorist group Hamas was hiding behind Palestinian civilians, stressing that they are despicable and cowardly. Addressing a joint press conference with Australian PM Anthony Albanese on October 26, President Biden condemned Hamas's attack on Israel and reaffirmed solidarity with its ally. Biden added that Israel has the right and responsibility to respond to the slaughter of its people. "We will ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against these terrorists...We also have to remember that Hamas does not represent the vast majority of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip or anywhere else. Hamas is hiding behind Palestinian civilians and is despicable and, not surprisingly, cowardly as well," he said. He also thanked the Israelis and Palestinians for supporting the US in its effort to provide food and other necessities to the innocent people in Gaza." I want to thank the Israelis and Palestinians...for working with the US to make sure that food, water and medical supplies are getting through to the innocent people in Gaza," Biden said. The President added that the US was working around the clock to secure the release of the civilians held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. "We're working around the clock together with our partners in the region to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens left behind and held by Hamas and the safe passage of foreign nationals out of Gaza. Not just Americans, but Australians and a whole range of people," he added.