Former U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday strongly criticized Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza, stating that there is “no military reason to keep striking what is already rubble” and voicing his support for Palestinian statehood.
Speaking at an event in Dublin, Ireland, Obama said:
“It is important for those of us who are not direct parties to the violence to say: children cannot starve to death. There is no military reason to keep striking what is already in ruins.”
He emphasized that ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable, insisting on a political path where a Palestinian state can exist alongside a secure Israel.
Obama’s rare public comments on the Gaza war came as world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, dominated by discussions on the devastating conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply rejected recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Western nations, accusing global leaders of “surrendering to biased media pressure, radical Islamist electorates, and antisemitic mobs.”
Reflecting on his own strained relationship with Netanyahu, Obama said:
“It’s fair to say that the Prime Minister of Israel and I were not the best of friends. Unfortunately, too often political leaders maintain a narrative of ‘us versus them’ because it helps them stay in power. It’s a cynical game.”
Meanwhile, Israel launched a ground incursion into Gaza City earlier this month, following an August plan to take full control of the heavily bombarded urban area, described as one of Hamas’ last strongholds.
The United Nations has warned that Israel’s offensive could put nearly 1 million Palestinians at risk of forced displacement, with the Israeli military estimating that 640,000 people have already fled the city.
Adding to the international pressure, the Trump administration has presented a 21-point peace plan to end the Gaza conflict. President Trump himself publicly rebuked Netanyahu, declaring from the Oval Office:
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Enough. It’s time to stop now.”
