Former President Barack Obama has made a rare public statement regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, expressing concern over the rising number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. While condemning the attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7 as “unspeakable brutality,” Obama emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense but also stressed the importance of adhering to international law.
Obama warned that some of Israel’s actions, such as cutting off essential supplies to the Gaza Strip, could have long-term consequences, including hardening Palestinian attitudes and eroding global support for Israel.
“Any Israeli military strategy that ignores human casualties may ultimately prove counterproductive. The bombing of Gaza has already killed thousands of Palestinians, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes,” Obama said. Reuters.
He also cautioned that Israel’s actions could “undermine long-term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.”
During his presidency, Obama often supported Israel’s right to self-defense but also called for restraint when Palestinian casualties rose due to airstrikes. His relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was notably strained, particularly during the negotiations over the Iran nuclear deal. Vice President Joe Biden, now President, frequently acted as a mediator between the two leaders.
In his statement, Obama also reflected on the United States’ own record, acknowledging that the country “has not always lived up to our highest values when we have fought wars,” particularly since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.