In a last-minute itinerary change for the state dinner for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the White House decided to remove new wave band the B-52’s from the entertainment segment. The decision was made out of respect for those “facing sorrow and pain,” amid the Israel-Hamas war, First Lady Jill Biden stated on Tuesday, according to Associated Press. In place of the group, instrumental music was performed by the Marine band and the Army and Air Force Strolling Strings at today’s event.
“Nurturing our partnerships and relationships with our allies is critically important, especially in these tumultuous times,” Jill Biden shared. “Food is comforting, reassuring and healing, and we hope that this dinner provides a little of that as well.” While addressing the change in itinerary, the first lady did not explicitly mention the ongoing, deadly conflict unfolding between Israel and the militant group Hamas.
The militant group Hamas launched an Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed around 1,400 and captured 200 others, including Americans. Israel has begun an air offensive in retaliation, and more than 4,300 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Facilitated by the Red Cross, Hamas released two American hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, at the Gaza border on Friday.
In a joint leaders’ statement from the United States and Australia, published earlier today in light of the dinner, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Albanese pledge their support for Israel. “Our countries will support Israel as it defends itself and its people against such atrocities,” the statement reads, referencing initial attacks from Hamas. “We affirm Israel’s inherent right to defend itself. In doing so, in line with the values we share as democracies, we call on all parties to act consistent with the principles of international law and to protect civilians as an utmost priority. We are concerned at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and call on all actors to ensure the provision of humanitarian supplies to populations in need.”
The statement continues: “Our two countries support equal measures of dignity, freedom, and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike and we mourn every civilian life lost in this conflict. We continue to support Palestinian aspirations for a state of their own and consider a two-state solution as the best avenue towards a lasting peace.”