US President Joe Biden strongly defended Israel, saying that Israeli forces are not committing genocide in their military campaign against the fighters of "Hamas" in Gaza, rejecting criticism from pro-Palestinian protesters, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
"What is happening in Gaza is not genocide. We reject that,'' Biden said at an American Jewish Heritage Month event at the White House.
Biden has faced protests at many of his events from pro-Palestinian supporters who have called him "Joe Genocide" because of his staunch support for Israel, Reuters points out.
In his remarks at the White House event, Biden emphasized his belief that Israel was the victim of an attack by Hamas militants. in southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages.
The president said US support for the safety and security of Israelis is "ironclad".
"We are with Israel to remove (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar and the rest of the Hamas butchers. We want "Hamas" to be defeated. We are working with Israel to make this happen," he said.
Negotiations between Israel and "Hamas" for the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages still held by the militants have stalled, but Biden has vowed not to give up trying to secure their release.
"We're going to bring them home, we're going to bring them home, no matter what we face,'' Biden said.