The U.S. president travels around the world. Joe Biden has visited 23 countries as president. On October 18, he flew to Israel. President Biden met Israel’s leader. That is Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I come to Israel with a simple message,” said President Biden. “You’re not alone.”
President Biden was showing support for Israel. The country was attacked on October 7. A group called Hamas sent rockets from Gaza. Fighters crossed the border. More than 1,400 people in Israel died. Israel declared war. It fired rockets into Gaza. At least 2,800 people died in Gaza.
A group of people called Palestinians live in Gaza. Palestinians believe they should have some of the land in Israel. The two groups have fought for control. President Biden hoped to bring peace.
Biden said people may be feeling “shock, pain, and rage.” But he warned not to react with violence. Biden explained, “We must keep peace.”
President Biden also supported the people of Gaza. “Palestinians are suffering greatly,” he explained. Biden vowed to send $100 million to Gaza. That will help many Palestinians. Biden asked Israel to let other countries support Gaza. Israel agreed. Egypt will send food, water, and medicine. Egypt and Gaza share a border.
Most people in Israel are Jewish. “Israel was born to be a safe place for the Jewish people of the world,” said Biden. “Israel must again be a safe place for the Jewish people.”
Updated October 18, 2023, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
