Former President Barack Obama has condemned the Hamas terror attacks in Israel which has resulted in the loss of approximately 900 Israeli lives and left thousands more injured. The former first gentleman issued a statement on Monday, 72 hours after the attacks.
The 44th president rallied Americans to express outrage at the tragic event after he expressed deep concern and condemnation for the terrorist attacks on Israel and the tragic loss of innocent lives.
“We grieve for those who died, pray for the safe return of those who’ve been held hostage, and stand squarely alongside our ally, Israel, as it dismantles Hamas.”
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“As we support Israel’s right to defend itself against terror, we must keep striving for a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Obama wrote on his X page.
There has been interest in Obama’s comment on the attacks following the perception that the Obama Administration’s relationship with the United States’ closest ally, Israel, was marked by significant tension. President Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a strained personal relationship, exacerbated by disagreements over the Iran nuclear deal, which was a key policy priority for the Obama administration, as reported by the Daily Mail.
In 2015, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the Republican-controlled House, criticizing the nuclear agreement designed by the Obama administration.
Obama is not the only former president to have issued a statement condemning the attacks. Former President Bill Clinton also issued a message several days after the attacks began.
“I condemn the horrific terrorist assault carried out by Hamas in Israel, and mourn the senseless loss of life. My heart is with all those affected by the violence, including American families. Now is a time for the world to rally against terrorism and to support Israeli democracy.”
“I stand with the government of Israel and all Israelis and urge them to stand together. This is a moment to focus on purpose over politics,” former president Clinton wrote.
Former President Clinton had a closer relationship with Israel and its leaders than Obama, having brokered the unsuccessful Oslo Accords between the Palestinian leadership and the Israeli government in the mid-90s.
President Joe Biden also released a written statement on Monday regarding the terror attacks, following a prior statement issued through the White House.
