Violence near the Mediterranean Sea has captured the attention of world leaders, including President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. On Saturday, October 7, a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel resulted in at least 250 deaths and left more than 1,500 wounded. In response, the Palestinian Health Ministry informed reporters that Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 232 deaths and left nearly 1,700 others wounded.
“We are at war,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
“Not an ‘operation,’ not a ’round,’ but at war.”
President Joe Biden has offered “appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel” and warned others that this is “not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks.”
Many of the President’s domestic political opponents took aim at Biden’s offer of support for Israel and blamed the White House for the events that led up to the attack.
“Israel is now under attack by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. Iran has helped fund this war against Israel and Joe Biden’s policies that have gone easy on Iran have helped fill their coffers,” a statement from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reads.
“These Hamas attacks are a disgrace and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force. Sadly, American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden Administration,” a campaign message from former President Donald Trump added.
Hours later, the White House fired back at Trump’s claims.
“I can’t comment on 2024 because of the Hatch Act. But I can clarify the facts: Not a single cent from these funds has been spent, and when it is spent, it can only be spent on things like food and medicine for the Iranian people,” White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.
“These funds have absolutely nothing to do with the horrific attacks today and this is not the time to spread disinformation.”
