WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden found himself in the middle of a hilarious meme fest after being praised for expressing his steadfast support for Israel and slammig Hamas’ brutal attacks while iterating that there 'needs to be a path to a Palestinian state'.
In an interview with CBS' '60 Minutes', the 80-year-old POTUS reiterated his stance on the ongoing Israel and Palestine conflict, in which nearly 3000 people have died and many more are gravely injured.
At least 30 Americans were also killed in the war, which sparked after Hamas bombarded nearly 2000 missiles on Israel and unleashed dozens of ground attacks.
When host Scott Pelley asked if it was “time for a ceasefire” given the loss of life, Biden responded, “Look, there’s a fundamental difference. Israel is going after a group of people who have engaged in barbarism that is as consequential as the Holocaust.”
“I think Israel has to respond. They have to go after Hamas. Hamas is a bunch of cowards. They’re hiding behind the civilians. They put … their headquarters where civilians are and buildings and the like,”
“But to the extent they can separate out … the Israelis are gonna do everything in their power to avoid the killing of innocent civilians,” the president continued.
What did President Biden say about eliminating Hamas?
During the interview Biden was asked, point blank, if Hamas needed to be eliminated in the wake of brutal attacks that sparked fresh, all-out war in the Middle East.
“Yes, I do,” he said, adding, “But there needs to be a Palestinian authority. There needs to be a path to a Palestinian state," while warning Israeli troops not to occupy Gaza.
While calling for the end of Hamas, Biden also asserted that the Palestinians need a place in the Middle East.
"But there needs to be a Palestinian authority. There needs to be a path to a Palestinian state," he continued, reiterating the long-standing US call for a two-state solution.
Journalist Scott Pelley also asked Biden if he could foresee US troops joining the war.
"I don't think that's necessary," replied Biden, who ordered the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and has vowed that none will be sent to assist Ukraine in fending off a Russian invasion.
"Israel has one of the finest fighting forces in the country. I guarantee we're gonna provide them everything they need," he continued.
Two aircraft carriers have already been sent by the US to the eastern Mediterranean in a resounding display of solidarity for Israel.
The 81-year-old Biden - who CBS warned viewers is dealing with a return of his childhood stutter whenever he gets tired - is considering a trip to Israel in the coming days, but nothing has been finalized, a senior administration official said, according to Daily Mail.
Internet reaction to Joe Biden’s claims
After President Biden’s claims surfaced on the internet, a meme fest was unleashed online, with several users praising the POTUS.
“Thank God we have a President who can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Tennessee election commissioner Chris D Jackson tweeted.
“So glad we have a serious, sober person with a lifetime of experience in the White House at this moment in history,” a second user wrote.
“Great interview. Biden showed how he is a great President and global diplomat,” a third user asserted while another one wrote, “Thank God for President Biden!”
Several users commented on Jackson's post, sharing some humorous memes, many of which included Biden tripping while walking upstairs.
“He just can’t do either going up stairs,” one user tweeted along with two awkward clips. “Chew gum maybe as long as the dentures stay in. Walk not so much,” another user shared.
