John Kirby defends US response to Gaza death figures, slams reporter’s criticism.
National Security Council Spokesman Blasts Reporter for Critical Question on Biden’s Response to Gaza War
In a fiery exchange, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby strongly defended President Joe Biden’s remarks on the war in Gaza, shutting down a reporter who questioned the president’s stance. The reporter asked if Biden would apologize for his comments and if Kirby believed they were “insensitive” or “harsh.”
“What’s harsh – what’s harsh is the way Hamas is using people as human shields,” Kirby fired back.
“What’s harsh is taking a couple of hundred hostages and leaving families anxious, waiting, and worrying to figure out where their loved ones are. What’s harsh is dropping in on a music festival and slaughtering a bunch of young people just trying to enjoy an afternoon.”
“I could go on and on. That’s what’s harsh. That is what’s harsh, and being honest about the fact that there have been civilian casualties and that there likely will be more is being honest because that’s what war is. It’s brutal, it’s ugly, it’s messy. I’ve said that before,” he continued.
“The president also said that yesterday. That doesn’t mean we have to like it, and it doesn’t mean that we’re dismissing any one of those casualties – each and every one is a tragedy in its own right.”
Kirby didn’t stop there. He went on to criticize Hamas for the civilian casualties, blaming them for preventing citizens from evacuating Gaza when asked to do so by the Israel Defense Forces.
“It would be helpful if Hamas would let [Gazans] leave… We know that there are thousands waiting to leave Gaza writ large, and Hamas is preventing them from doing it. That is what is harsh.”
Kirby’s statements echoed Biden’s own remarks made during a press conference, where the president dismissed the high civilian casualty figures provided by the Hamas-overseen Palestinian Health Ministry.
“What they say to me is I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people are killed,” Biden responded. “I’m sure innocents have been killed, and it’s the price of waging a war.”
“I think we should be incredibly careful… Israel should be incredibly careful to be sure that they’re focusing on going after the folks that are propagating this war against Israel. And it’s against their interest when that doesn’t happen. But I have no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using,” he added.
What specific tactics has Kirby highlighted as the true source of harshness in the conflict?
Nd friends worried sick about their loved ones. What’s harsh is firing thousands of rockets indiscriminately into civilian populations,” Kirby continued, passionately defending the president’s position.
Kirby’s strong response comes amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East, specifically in the Gaza Strip, where violence between Israel and Hamas escalated to its worst levels since 2014. The conflict has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, including innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
President Biden has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, with some questioning whether his response has been strong enough or adequately supportive of Israel. The reporter’s question about Biden’s comments reflects this scrutiny, seeking further clarification and perhaps an apology for any perceived insensitivity.
However, Kirby’s forceful defense of the president’s remarks indicates the administration’s firm stance and commitment to its narrative. By redirecting the focus to the actions of Hamas, Kirby highlights their use of questionable tactics, such as human shields and hostage-taking, as the true source of harshness in the conflict.
Moreover, Kirby’s response resonates with the broader sentiment among many supporters of Israel who argue that the criticism should be directed towards Hamas rather than the actions of the Israeli defense forces.
It is essential to note that in any war or conflict, civilian casualties are tragic and deeply regrettable. The loss of innocent lives and the suffering of families on both sides underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
As the National Security Council spokesman, Kirby’s remarks not only defend the president but also reflect the official stance of the administration. They indicate that the United States continues to view Hamas as a legitimate threat and reiterate its unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
This fiery exchange highlights the level of intensity and emotion surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tensions remain high, with both sides deeply entrenched in their respective positions. It also demonstrates the challenges faced by journalists in navigating such a sensitive topic, where any question or comment can quickly become a point of contention.
Overall, this exchange between the National Security Council spokesman and the reporter serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding national security issues. It also underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts and engagement to seek a peaceful resolution and prevent further loss of life in the region.
In the coming days and weeks, it is crucial for world leaders to work towards de-escalating tensions and promoting dialogue between all parties involved. Only through open communication, understanding, and a genuine effort to address the root causes can a lasting solution to the conflicts in the Middle East be achieved.
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