“When I was dealing with ISIS, I felt like we were staring evil in the eye — it really was evil,” Austin said after talks with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant. “But what we’re seeing with Hamas takes that evil to another level.”
L. Austin emphasized that “terrorism is never justified and this is especially true after this rampage by Hamas.”
Washington, he said, will give Israel what it needs to defend itself.
“The United States supports Israel and that is non-negotiable and never will be,” Austin vowed.
But the defense secretary warned that the fight against Hamas must not go beyond borders.
“Democracies like ours are stronger and safer when we abide by the laws of war,” he said, expressing confidence in what he sees as well-led Israeli forces and saying he hopes they will be disciplined in their operations.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, invading its territory and launching rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip. More than 1.3 thousand people died in Israel. people.
Israeli strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip claimed more than 1,500 lives. people’s lives.
Hamas is the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip and has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it restricted the import of goods to and from the territory by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
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#Austin #Hamas #evil #level
**Interview with Defense Expert Dr. Rachel Stein on U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s Remarks on Hamas**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Stein. Following Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s recent comments regarding Hamas and its actions against Israel, what are your thoughts on his characterization of the situation?
**Dr. Rachel Stein:** Thank you for having me. Secretary Austin’s remarks are significant in framing the current conflict as not just a regional issue but a profound moral crisis. His comparison of Hamas’s actions to “a new level of evil” underscores the severity of the threat they pose, not only to Israel but to broader global security.
**Interviewer:** He specifically mentioned that “terrorism is never justified.” How do you think this stance resonates in the context of U.S. foreign policy?
**Dr. Rachel Stein:** Absolutely, this position aligns with long-standing U.S. foreign policy principles which condemn terrorism in all forms. Austin’s emphasis on unwavering support for Israel is a clear signal that the U.S. will stand by its allies, particularly in moments of acute peril. This reinforces the foundational aspect of U.S.-Israel relations.
**Interviewer:** Austin also cautioned against actions that might extend the conflict beyond Israel’s borders. What do you think are the risks associated with such an escalation?
**Dr. Rachel Stein:** That’s a critical point. Engaging in operations that cross borders can lead to a broader regional conflict, potentially drawing in other nations and escalating tensions in an already volatile area. International law, including the laws of war, must be upheld to maintain legitimacy and support for democratic nations.
**Interviewer:** Secretary Austin expressed confidence in the Israeli forces and their potential for disciplined operations. What can you tell us about the challenges they might face in executing this discipline amidst such intense situations?
**Dr. Rachel Stein:** The balance between effective military response and adherence to international norms is always precarious in conflict zones. Israeli forces will face immense pressure to act swiftly against Hamas, but maintaining discipline is crucial to minimize civilian casualties and avoid undermining their moral standing on the world stage. It’s a tightrope walk that will require both strategic acumen and ethical considerations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Stein. Given the current context, what do you think the next steps should be for the U.S. and its allies?
**Dr. Rachel Stein:** The U.S. should continue to provide Israel with the necessary military support while also encouraging diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Engaging with regional partners to ensure that the efforts against Hamas do not spiral out of control is essential. Moreover, supporting humanitarian relief efforts for civilians caught in the conflict will be vital in addressing the broader human cost of war.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Stein. It’s clear that the situation remains complex and requires careful navigation.
**Dr. Rachel Stein:** Indeed, thank you for having me. It’s an intricate situation that will demand ongoing attention and thoughtful responses.