Former US President Barack Obama expressed concerns regarding a potential Israeli ground operation in Gaza in retaliation to Hamas‘ unexpected attack.
He cautioned that such an action might have unintended consequences, particularly if Palestinian civilians aren’t safeguarded.
There are growing concerns that an aggressive military strategy might potentially broaden the conflict into a regional war, especially with Iran hinting at intervention should the Israeli operations persist.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in a conversation with President Biden, stated that Israel sees a ground operation in Gaza as inevitable, foreseeing a prolonged and challenging conflict. Although the operation hasn’t commenced yet, Israel has summoned a record 300,000 reservists, a move unseen in recent times.
The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health reported over 5,000 Palestinian fatalities since the onset of the conflict, with roughly 1.4 million Palestinians currently displaced within Gaza.
While recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense, Obama advised caution, suggesting that an unrestrained military onslaught might have enduring consequences that might imperil Israel’s future security.
He noted that such actions might solidify Palestinian resentment for years, weaken global backing for Israel, and inadvertently aid Israel’s adversaries. This, he highlighted, might destabilize long-standing efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Drawing parallels, Obama referenced the U.S.’ post-9/11 military action against al-Qaeda, noting that it sometimes overlooked essential values during warfare and didn’t always consider all recommendations.
He also disapproved of Israel’s choice to restrict essential supplies, including electricity, food, fuel, and water to Gaza, emphasizing the exacerbation of the prevailing humanitarian crisis. However, he acknowledged Israel’s recent decision to permit aid trucks as a positive move.
In his statement, Obama urged global citizens to exemplify their finest values, denouncing antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian sentiments.
He emphasized the necessity to renounce any justification for intentional harm to innocents and urged not to downplay Hamas’ assault on Israeli civilians or the pain experienced by Palestinians.
Concluding his remarks, Obama stated that people can support Palestinian rights and criticize certain Israeli policies without harboring anti-Semitic sentiments.
