President Biden offered remarks Monday morning to recognize the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that left 1,200 people dead.
The ensuing war in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 other people, and Biden spoke against the backdrop of Israel operations in southern Lebanon that is adding to fears about a wider regional conflict.
“Today marks one year of mourning for the more than 1,200 innocent people of all ages, including 46 Americans, massacred in southern Israel by the terrorist group Hamas,” Biden said in a statement earlier on Monday.
“One year since Hamas committed horrific acts of sexual violence. One year since more than 250 innocents were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. One year for the survivors carrying wounds, seen and unseen, who will never be the same. And one year of a devastating war.”
Monday’s ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. EDT.