US Leaders Mark October 7 Anniversary Amid Election Season and Middle East Conflict

As the US election nears, President Joe Biden and his potential successors gathered on Monday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hamas's October 7 massacre in Israel, the deadliest single day for Jews since the Holocaust. In a solemn ceremony at the White House, Biden, joined by First Lady Jill Biden and a local rabbi, lit a yahrzeit candle in memory of the 1,200 victims. The event took place just weeks before the November 5 election, underscoring the president’s enduring support for Israel amid an escalating Middle East conflict.

Earlier that day, Biden released a statement pledging continued efforts to secure the release of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. In a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Biden expressed his condolences to the Israeli people, reaffirming the US’s commitment to bringing the hostages home and securing lasting peace. Notably, Biden has not spoken directly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in nearly 50 days, reflecting simmering tensions over Israel’s handling of the war with Hamas.

The Biden administration, while continuing its military and diplomatic backing of Israel, has grown increasingly concerned over Netanyahu’s refusal to plan for Gaza’s postwar future. US officials have advocated for the Palestinian Authority to manage Gaza after the war, but Netanyahu has resisted, favoring a different approach involving Arab states—an idea met with skepticism in the region.

At a memorial event hosted by Israel’s embassy in Washington, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need to translate tactical victories into long-term security. He praised Israel’s military operations but stressed that lasting security would require a disciplined, forward-looking strategy.

Vice President Kamala Harris also marked the anniversary by planting a pomegranate tree at her official residence in honor of the victims. During the ceremony, she remembered the 46 American citizens killed in the attack and reiterated the administration’s commitment to securing the hostages' release and protecting Israel’s security. Her running mate, Tim Walz, echoed this sentiment, calling for a ceasefire that ensures Israel’s safety and alleviates Palestinian suffering.

Republican figures also took part in memorials, with Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance addressing a gathering at the National Mall, emphasizing that Hamas’s actions were an attack on all Americans. Former President Donald Trump visited the gravesite of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, leaving a stone and note in prayer for the hostages.

The commemoration events highlighted the continued significance of the October 7 tragedy in American political discourse, with leaders across the political spectrum reaffirming their support for Israel and expressing solidarity with the Jewish people.

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