Amid the intensifying crisis in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden candidly addressed the human cost of conflict, underscoring that civilian casualties are the "price of waging war." The comments made during a press conference at the White House's Rose Garden have added a new dimension to the ongoing debate on the Gaza crisis.
The crisis has seen a tragic toll with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting more than 6,500 Palestinian casualties, primarily civilians. On the other side, 1,400 Israelis have lost their lives. Despite the rising numbers, Biden raised questions over the validity of the Palestinian casualty count, saying, "I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people are killed. I'm sure innocents have been killed, and it's a price of waging war."
Supporting Israel's right to defend itself, Biden emphasized the nation's duty to protect innocent civilians amidst the complexities of warfare. "Israel has to do everything in its power, as difficult as it is, to protect innocent civilians. It's difficult," he noted. Yet, the President also criticized some Israeli actions, especially the settlers' aggression towards Palestinians in the West Bank. He described these attacks as pouring "gasoline on the fire" and called for their immediate cessation.
Humanitarian crisis worsens in #Gaza, as #Biden describes civilian casualties as “the price of waging a war”https://t.co/GGD4EBT3rb — World Socialist Web Site (@WSWS_Updates) October 26, 2023
Biden doesn't have confidence in the Gaza death toll: "I have no notion if Palestinians are telling the truth...I'm sure innocents have been killed & it is the price of waging war..Israel should be incredibly careful to ensure they're going after the folks propagating this war." pic.twitter.com/iOs24eaV4I — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) October 25, 2023
His remarks were met with a mix of support and criticism. Human Rights Watch weighed in, affirming that, based on their three decades of work in Gaza, the casualty reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry have been largely reliable.
#US President @JoeBiden dehumanized Palestinians, who were killed by #Israel, claiming that "It's the price of waging a war."
Biden also questioned the numbers of Palestinian victims, announced by the the Ministry of Health.#Gaza_Genocide @georgegalloway @timand2037 pic.twitter.com/RBRwofQAzj — Harun Elbinawi (@HarunaNAbdullah) October 26, 2023
“The situation is nothing short of horrific—Where is humanity? Millions of civilians are being collectively punished in full view of the world" Humanitarian crisis worsens in #Gaza, as #Biden describes civilian casualties as “the price of waging a war” https://t.co/6niHepM6q2 — VasilikiM (@MazVasil) October 26, 2023
Echoing Biden's sentiments on the cost of war, global charity Oxfam spotlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, stating, "Millions of civilians are being collectively punished in full view of the world, there can be no justification for using starvation as a weapon of war."
These sentiments were starkly contrasted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's commitment of an additional $15 million in aid for Gaza civilians, emphasizing the significance of empathy and humanitarian assistance during such crises.
However, the overarching theme of Biden's remarks was the need for a lasting peace solution once the crisis subsides. "When this crisis is over, there has to be a vision of what comes next. And in our view, it has to be a two-state solution," Biden said, urging a concentrated effort from all stakeholders.
This statement was further elaborated on during a joint news conference with Albanese. Biden reiterated, "Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live side by side in safety, dignity, and peace."
The debate on the 'price of waging war' underscores the complexities surrounding the Gaza crisis. As the world watches with bated breath, the hope is for a peaceful resolution that prevents further loss of innocent lives.
