US President Joe Biden has said that Israel has a duty and a right to respond to Hamas’ “terrorism” as fighting continues near Gaza.
In his remarks, Mr Biden said that the US will “stand with Israel” and provide whatever assistance it needs.
Mr Biden said that at least 14 Americans have been killed in the fighting, with others taken as hostages.
He added there was no justification for the “rampages” by Hamas.
The identities of US citizens killed or missing have not yet been announced by officials.
In an approximately 10-minute speech at the White House, Mr Biden condemned what he termed “an act of sheer evil” from Hamas, comparing the attacks to “the worst rampages” of the so-called Islamic State.
“Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people,” he added. “They used Palestinian people as human shields”.
Standing alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Mr Biden also said the US is sharing intelligence with Israel and has deployed experts to “consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts”.
“As president, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” he added.
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Earlier this week, the US announced plans to move naval forces – including an aircraft carrier – to the eastern Mediterranean. US Air Force squadrons based in the region are also being bolstered with additional combat aircraft.
Additionally, US defence officials have said they are working with their Israeli counterparts to expedite shipments of military supplies and ammunition to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
“Let there be no doubt – the United States has Israel’s back,” Mr Biden said. “We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow, as we always have”.
In his remarks on Tuesday, Mr Biden said that the US stands “ready to move in additional assets as needed” – which he said is a message intended for other groups or countries in the region that may get involved.
“I have one word: don’t,” he said.