• He insisted that despite all this, Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas.
• "Upholding these values is important for its own sake, because it is morally just and reflects our belief in the inherent value of every human life."
Image: SCREENGRAB
Former US President Barack Obama now says that even as they support Israel in the Gaza war, there should be clarity on how Israel is fighting the Hamas militants.
In a statement on Monday, Obama said this should include ensuring that the strategies by the Israeli military abide by International law and protection of the civilian populations in Gaza.
"In particular, it matters, as President Biden has repeatedly emphasized that Israel’s military strategy abides by international law, including those laws that seek to avoid, to every extent possible, the death or suffering of civilian populations.
"Upholding these values is important for its own sake because it is morally just and reflects our belief in the inherent value of every human life," he said.
Obama noted that while Hamas’ military operations are deeply rooted in Gaza, and its leadership seems to intentionally hide among civilians, thereby endangering the very people they claim to represent, the world is watching closely as events in the region unfold.
He said any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire.
"Thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes.
"The Israeli government’s decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis; it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israel’s enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region," the former US President said.
He insisted that despite all this, Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas.
Obama added that it is important for those supporting Israel to encourage a strategy that can incapacitate Hamas while minimizing further civilian casualties.
He further said that key players from both Palestine and Israel should engage in favourable ways to co-exist, as well as help Palestine formulate a way to self rule.
"...because that is the best and perhaps only way to achieve the lasting peace and security most Israeli and Palestinian families yearn for."
Obama admitted that the situation between Israel and Gaza is 'extraordinarily complex' and everyone needs to put their best values, rather than worst fears, on display.
More than 1,400 Israelis were killed when Hamas attacked communities near Gaza on 7 October, shooting civilians dead in their homes, in the streets and at a music festival.
Gaza's health ministry says more than 5,000 people have been killed since Israel began bombing the territory in response, flattening entire neighbourhoods.
In its latest estimate, Israel says that more than 200 hostages are being held by Hamas after its surprise attack on Israel on 7 October.