The international community has been shocked by United States President Joe Biden’s recent comments dismissing the reported massive death toll in Palestine. Biden had stated at a press conference that he had seen reports of the very high death toll in Palestine, but he said that he was not convinced of the accuracy of the reports.
This has raised multiple concerns from the global community, as such a dismissive attitude from a world leader implies a lack of empathy and compassion towards the Palestinian people. Among the most vocal of the critics have been Palestinian officials as they feel that Biden’s unfeeling comments legitimize a situation that has already resulted in the deaths of over 200 Palestinians and the displacement of hundreds more.
Despite Biden’s view that the death toll could be overstated, there is evidence which backs up the reported numbers and indicates a much higher death toll which could exceed 1000 by the end of the conflict. Various international observers have reported hundreds of airstrikes targeting Palestinian hospitals, schools, and residential buildings, as well as reports of ongoing fighting in the area. Moreover, the Palestinian Authority estimates that more than 8000 people in the Gaza Strip have been injured by the attack, another figure that points towards a much higher death toll.
It is clear that Biden’s dismissive attitude towards the reports of Palestinian deaths has caused much distress to the global community. His comments have been seen as insensitive, and have been widely criticized as it implies a lack of concern for the Palestinian people and their suffering. Moreover, it is likely that his words carry weight, and may only worsen the situation on the ground if it is perceived to be endorsed by the US president.
Regardless of whether the reports of death tolls are exaggerated or not, it is essential that world leaders should provide their support and compassion to the affected communities, rather than dismissing their suffering as Biden has done. This conflict is already a humanitarian disaster, and Biden’s comments have not done anything to ease the troubled waters.