Palestinians inspect damage to a mosque and their homes in Gaza City following Israeli air strikes on Monday.Credit:Getty
And in Washington,Republicans came under growing pressure to elect a new Speaker toreplace ousted leader Kevin McCarthy amid fears the vacuum could hamper approval by Congress of more aid to Israel.
Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthyCredit:AP
In an unusual public holiday press conference at Capitol Hill on Monday,McCarthy – who has led a delegation to Israel every year – called on Biden to find any American hostages immediately,warning that the US could not afford “another Afghanistan” where its citizens were left behind.
But he also hit out at the Republican internal war that led to his historic removal last week,and did not rule out the possibility of a comeback if his party failed to find a Speaker swiftly when it meets on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT).
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“I’ll allow the conference to make whatever decision,” McCarthy replied when asked if he would consider running for his old job,in a notable shift from last week when he declared he would not be seeking to return.
The multi-front attack by Hamas from air,land and sea has so far killed at least 900 people with thousands of others injured or taken hostage.
As images of the atrocities played out on American cable networks over the weekend,Biden vowed “rock-solid and unwavering support” for Israel and declared that the country “has the right to defend itself and its people. Full stop”.
Israeli armoured personnel carriers drive towards Israel’s southern border with the Gaza Strip.Credit:Getty
The Pentagon has also positioned US ships and aircraft closer to Israel in a show of strength,and is meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s requests for additional munitions and aid.
But with a ground invasion seemingly imminent,the White House has refused to say whether it will stand by Israel “for as long as it takes” – the same commitment it has given to Ukraine in its war against Russia.
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Asked if the US could end up joining the war as the conflict escalated,National Security Council Co-ordinator John Kirby said “there’s no intention to put US boots on the ground” but added:“That said… President Biden will always make sure that we are protecting and defending our national security interests,wherever those interests are,including,particularly in that part of the world.”
As the death count of American citizens grew,Biden came under attack by those who believe he has been too weak on Iran,which is a known backer of Hamas.
In particular,the administration has been criticised over its recentdecision to unfreeze $US6 billion ($9.3 billion) in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for the freedom of five wrongfully detained American citizens.
Biden vowed to do whatever he could to assist Americans in Israel,as well as those affected at home.
“The ties between Israel and the United States run deep. It is personal for so many American families who are feeling the pain of this attack,as well as the scars,inflicted through millennia of antisemitism and persecution of Jewish people.
“In cities across the country,police departments have stepped up security around centres of Jewish life,and the Department of Homeland Security,the Federal Bureau of Investigation,and other federal law enforcement partners are closely monitoring for any domestic threats in connection with the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel.”