Over 60 Democrats signed a letter urging President Biden to take a tougher stance on Iran following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
President Joe Biden is facing new pressure from Democratic lawmakers to strengthen his stance on dealing with Iran following Hamas’ attack on Israel earlier in October.
Biden’s approach to Iranian relations faced new scrutiny following reports that Hamas allegedly coordinated with Tehran before the militant group’s October 7 attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets against the country while also attacking from land, air and sea from Gaza.
Israel subsequently launched its heaviest airstrikes against Gaza with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying his country was « at war » and cutting off supplies of food, fuel, electricity and medicine in Gaza. He has vowed to « demolish Hamas, » ordering 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to relocate to the south.
At least 1,400 people in Israel and 2,778 people in Gaza have been killed in the conflict, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday.
Biden responded to the attack by reiterating his support for Israel, saying it has the right to defend itself against Hamas. He has sought to strike a balance between his support for Israel while also addressing humanitarian concerns about the millions of people, including many children, who live in Gaza—while also working to not further escalate tensions in the region.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers signed off on a letter to Biden Monday night urging him to take action to hold Iran accountable amid reports that it may have supported Hamas leading up to the attack.
