Biden scoffs at Hamas’ Gaza death toll claim before lashing out when pressed on American hostages
WASHINGTON — President Biden said Wednesday that he doesn’t believe the Hamas-run Gaza government’s claim that 5,000 people have died in Israeli airstrikes since Oct. 7 — after growing flustered when pressed on efforts to free American hostages before fighting escalates.
“I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people were killed.” Biden said in the White House Rose Garden at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, adding, “I have no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using.”
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry’s claim is widely cited in media reports after the terrorist group murdered more than 1,400 people — including at least 33 Americans in a surprise attack on southern Israel earlier this month.
Hamas also holds roughly 200 hostages — including up to 10 Americans — after releasing two US citizens Friday and two elderly Israelis this week.
The Washington Post on Tuesday ran an article defending the newspaper’s publication of the Hamas claims, writing, “Many experts consider figures provided by the ministry reliable, given its access, sources and accuracy in past statements.”
Civilian dead reportedly include several Palestinian Christian cousins of former Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), who said they were sheltering in a church complex that partially collapsed following a nearby Israeli airstrike.
Amash on Monday posted to X a photo of his dead second cousin George, an infant, after previously posting a photo of two young female relatives who he said died.
Biden also denied asking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay an invasion of Gaza — after confusion was stoked by press reports saying White House aides urged a such a delay.
Follow along with The Post’s live blog for the latest on Hamas’ attack on Israel
The president himself said Friday he wanted the assault delayed before an aide insisted he didn’t hear the question.
“What I have indicated to him is that if that’s possible — to get these folks out safely — that’s what he should do. It’s their decision, but I did not demand it. I pointed out to him, if it’s real, it should be done,” Biden said at first.
USA Today reporter Joey Garrison, one of two American journalists allowed to ask questions, pressed Biden for a fuller explanation, following up, “But are these hostages in jeopardy?”
“You want to make a speech?” Biden sneered.
“No, look, obviously they are in jeopardy. The question is whether or not there is any way of getting them out. And if you can get them out, we should get them out,” the president said.
Presidents risk political blame when Americans are seized by adversaries abroad. President Jimmy Carter’s 1980 election defeat was widely blamed on the long-running Iran hostage crisis, in which 52 Americans were held for 444 days.
Biden has on several occasions lashed out at reporters for asking questions he dislikes and he twice referred to the USA Today reporter as “JoJo” in a possible diss later in the press conference.
The Israeli government has vowed to remove Hamas from power in Gaza, which the jihadists have governed since 2007, and Biden said in the Rose Garden that it was important to consider what comes next for the impoverished territory of about 2 million people.
“There’s no going back to the status quo as it stood on October the 6th. That means ensuring Hamas can no longer terrorize Israel and use Palestinian civilians as human shields,” Biden said.
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“When this crisis is over, there has to be a vision of what comes next. And in our view, it has to be a two-state solution. And means a concentrated effort for all the parties — Israelis, Palestinians, regional partners, global leaders — to put us on a path toward peace.”
Biden last week pledged $100 million in US humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza and asked Congress to approve a $14.3 billion military aid package for Israel.
