Biden's Address and the Israel Attack: Analysis, Aid Funds, and Turning Point

2023-10-08 06:15:23

An Israeli police officer in front of a burning car in Ashkelon after a Hamas rocket attack. (imago-images / Xinhua / Ilan Assayag)

In a televised address, US President Biden said the world was looking closely at the attacks on Israel. The warning is likely aimed at Iran and the Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. They had previously welcomed the attack on Israel by Palestinian militants.

A senior White House official said there was an “in-depth discussion” between the United States and Israel about the need for military assistance. But he acknowledged a complicated situation because the House of Representatives is currently “paralyzed” after the dismissal of its speaker. Congress would have to be involved in arms deliveries.

Baerbock calls attacks a turning point

The federal government also condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Federal Foreign Minister Baerbock said that this day was a turning point. Israel has the right under international law to defend itself against this perfidious terror. There is now an incalculable risk of a major regional escalation.

Discussion about aid funds for Palestinians

The chairwoman of the Defense Committee, Strack-Zimmermann, called for the aid money to Palestinians to be reviewed. She told the newspapers of the Funke media group that Hamas’s attack on civilians must be used as an opportunity to analyze all aid funds from Germany, the EU and the UN intended for the Gaza Strip and how they are being used. The FDP chairman Lindner emphasized that he was hoping for a recommendation from Foreign Minister Baerbock of the Greens on how the German state should proceed with financial support for the Palestinians in light of this violence.

The CDU defense politician Kiesewetter told the German Press Agency that Germany had pledged aid money totaling over 340 million euros. These must now be stopped immediately. It is not enough to simply express political concern; concrete actions must also follow.