During a recent event organized by the Obama Foundation, former President Barack Obama referred to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as a "moral reckoning for all of us.
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He addressed the audience at the Democracy Forum, advocating for a two-state solution and an end to the "occupation," though he did not specify which occupation he was referring to.
Obama highlighted the historical context of the conflict, stating, "All of this is taking place against the backdrop of decades of failure to achieve a durable peace for both Israelis and Palestinians." He emphasized the need for a solution that ensures Israel's security and right to exist, while also ending the occupation and establishing a viable state for the Palestinians.
The conflict escalated on October 7 when Hamas, the governing authority in Palestine, initiated a terrorist attack on Israel, resulting in the death of over 1,400 Israeli citizens. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the Israeli Defense Forces' ongoing ground incursion into the region has led to the death of more than 9,000 people in Gaza. The death toll is anticipated to increase as the rubble is cleared and buildings are inspected.
Obama acknowledged the emotional toll of the conflict, stating, "Now, I will admit, it is impossible to be dispassionate in the face of this carnage. It is hard to feel hopeful. The images of families mourning, of bodies being pulled from rubble, force a moral reckoning on all of us."
The former President also revealed that the conflict has stirred differences within the Obama Foundation. He stated, "We've had to sort through our anguish, our outrage, our fears and our differences on the issues." He further noted that the disagreement is not about the desired outcome, but about the best path to achieve it.
The U.S. government, under President Biden, has not officially supported a cease-fire, reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas. However, Biden has recently expressed support for a humanitarian "pause," amid pressure from progressive groups and global leaders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has warned that such a pause could provide Hamas with an opportunity to regroup or plan further attacks.
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