Speaking at the 79th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, US President Joe Biden defended Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. He mentioned that “every nation has the right to ensure that it is never attacked again,” and appealed to the world not to forget the devastating attacks carried out.

Speaking sternly, Biden said that over 1,200 died in the attack launched by Hamas and included more than 40 Americans. His words focused strictly on Israel’s actions against the attack and said that “the world must not forget the horrors of October 7,” where innocent civilians were among those victimized by a brutal attack. Although Biden was unyielding on his defense of Israel, he was also floating peace signals and possibly ending the Gaza battle by suggesting both sides agree on a condition that could return hostages safely, bringing in humanitarian aid.

The Brutality in Gaza and Lebanon

Although President Biden said his country favors Israel’s right to defend itself, the situation in Gaza and Lebanon remains brutal. Israeli airstrikes have flattened vast areas of Gaza. Thousands are confirmed dead, among whom are civilians and people working as medical workers and aid staff. The blockade in Gaza has hence significantly limited access to food, water, and medicine, eventually ushering the whole area into a humanitarian crisis. Families are now displaced, and the region is at the point of famine. The attacks, meanwhile, do not only target the people of Gaza but move further to neighboring Lebanon, which has known over time, destruction and death by Israeli strikes.

The 18-year Israel conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon bled wounds that would take a long time to heal. Biden cited the loss of lives in Lebanon, in which 558 people have lost their lives, including civilians killed by Israeli strikes all these years. Thousands of families have become homeless, and the devastating effects of the military actions rip through this country.

Almost two decades later, a deeply ingrained conflict still seems possible, Biden said, referring to the Lebanon-Israel dispute, because of which he wanted to give hope to a diplomatic resolution. “I am committed to preventing a war that could engulf the entire region,” said Biden, underlining the need for a peaceful resolution in Lebanon. The president elaborated on the fact that the United States was ready to support any effort that avoided a wider conflict.
US Role in Global Conflicts

President Biden was also introspective on the U.S. place in broader global actions outside of the Middle East. “The ongoing war in Ukraine is just one example, and I reaffirmed to the people of Ukraine that America will continue to stand with you in your fight against Russian aggression,” he said. “Putin’s war has failed in its core objective,” he declared, as “Ukraine remains free and NATO is stronger and more united than ever.”.

He called for responsible competition with China to highlight his view of not competing at all costs but rather with a diplomatic approach rather than a conflictive one. He emphasizes that it is about keeping America’s principles and policies intact while dealing with complicated international relationships.

Hope for Ceasefire and Peace

While providing a justification to Israel’s actions, Biden appealed to both parties in the Gaza conflict to take to embrace a ceasefire. The president mentioned that the time has now come for an agreement that will ensure the protection of civilians and brings back the hostages. His calls for peace have become a relief measure for the watching world hoping for a peaceful end to violence that has dogged this region for decades.

The US is committed to cooperating towards a peaceful future not only of Israelis and Palestinians but of the entire Middle East. As war unfolds, the rest of the world waits for diplomacy and international forces to bring peace and end the suffering of those in the middle.

Conclusion

The speech of Biden at the UN General Assembly represents the complex dynamics of international politics. He may well argue forcefully that Israel has the right to defend itself, but his admission of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and in Lebanon tempers his stance. His calls for diplomacy and the general reference to the world’s challenge facing Ukraine and China point to a leader moving within a challenging world yet working for peace in cooperation. That’s yet to be proven when time comes, but for now, the entire world is left exhaling hope while throwing glances toward an end to such violence that has wracked too many lives.

Sources: https://jang.com.pk/

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