Biden and Harris Call for Middle East Peace on Anniversary of Hamas Attacks

President Joe Biden, center, standing with first lady Jill Biden, left, and Rabbi Aaron Alexander of the Adas Israel Congregation, participates in a memorial candle-lighting in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that left about 1,200 people dead. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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In a poignant observance, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris marked October 7, the anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, with renewed calls for peace in the Middle East. The commemoration took place at the White House, where Biden lit a candle during a Jewish mourning ceremony, reflecting on the devastating impact of the conflict over the past year.

Biden condemned the initial attacks from Hamas while also expressing concern over the significant civilian casualties in Gaza. His remarks highlighted the delicate balance the administration must navigate amid escalating tensions, especially with upcoming elections on the horizon. “Far too many civilians have suffered far too much during this year of conflict,” Biden stated, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Both leaders articulated their unwavering support for Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its allied groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. However, they also recognized the suffering endured by the Palestinian people, calling October 7 a “dark day” for them as well. Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, stating she was “devastated by the loss and pain of the Israeli people” while also expressing heartbreak over the destruction in Gaza.

In their addresses, Biden and Harris stressed that a diplomatic solution is crucial for achieving broader peace in the region. This stance comes amid continued military actions, with Israel intensifying operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

As the Biden administration grapples with the fallout from the ongoing conflict, former President Donald Trump, a key rival in the upcoming election, criticized their approach and planned to commemorate the anniversary with events in New York and Miami. Trump’s campaign argued that a return to his leadership would halt the violence.

Protests against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza were anticipated in various U.S. cities, underscoring the political challenges facing Biden and Harris, particularly among Arab and Muslim voters who are crucial in key battleground states. The anniversary has also exposed the limits of U.S. influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose actions have raised questions about his alignment with American interests as elections approach.

Amid these tensions, Biden has cautioned Israel against striking Iranian oil facilities, wary of the potential economic repercussions for the U.S. This complex landscape of diplomacy and conflict continues to shape the discourse surrounding Middle Eastern relations and U.S. foreign policy as the election draws near.