Obama Speaks Out On Israel-Palestine

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is calling on Israel and Hamas to take steps aimed at ensuring that the cease-fire that's in place in Gaza will endure. Weighing in on the conflict for the first time following his inauguration, Obama said that going forward, Hamas must end rocket fire at Israel, and Israel must "complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza." Although those steps were taken this week, low-level violence has marred the fragile cease-fire.

Obama said his administration will support a "credible" system of ending smuggling into Gaza.

He said he's "deeply concerned" by the loss of life among both Israelis and Palestinians, and by the suffering taking place in Gaza. He said his heart goes out to civilians who are going without food, water or medical care.

He said Gaza's borders should be opened to allow aid to come in, with "appropriate monitoring."

Comments

[MagisterLudi]

European Union's foreign aid chief Louis Michel condemned Hamas for acting like "a terrorist movement," and accused the Islamist group of having "enormous responsibility" for the devastation caused during Gaza in three weeks of fighting between Hamas and Israel.
He stated that Hamas used civilians as "human shields" by fighting in populated areas and, describing Hamas rocket fire on Israel as a "provocation", he said in English: "Hamas is acting in the way of a terrorist movement."
Got a problem with that?

[MagisterLudi]

"The Israelis have been warning you that this was coming if you continue your cross border rocket attacks. Egypt has been imploring you to stop firing rockets into Israel, but you ignored our words. We have been urging you to renew the cease-fire with Israel, but you refused. You have brought this upon yourselves. You are responsible for what is happening to the people of Gaza." Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit "....

We made contact with leaders of the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip. We spoke with them.... and after that we spoke with them indirectly, through more than one Arab and non-Arab side... We spoke with them on the telephone and we said to them: We ask of you, don't stop the ceasefire, the ceasefire must continue and not stop, in order to avoid what has happened, and if only we had avoided it." Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas

As usual Israeli and Palestinian civilians paid the price. While Hamas leadership hid under the hospital beds.

[Michale32086]

And people STILL support and defend HAMAS..

It's astounding in a sad and pathetic sort of way..

Michale.....

[Freenation]

What a heart-breaking story, IDF and Israeli politicians should be ashamed of themselves:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7848127.stm

Highlights:
"
His son was called Mohammed. He was six months old and he was dead because he had been shot in the head by an Israeli soldier. Helmi's wife Maha, 19, was killed shortly afterwards, he says, by a rocket launched from a helicopter, which also killed his parents.
"

"
Israelis had left the house that they were using as a base. He was not impressed by the way that soldiers had defecated on the floors of some rooms, even though there were functioning lavatories
"

"
soldiers had thrown children's furniture out of one of the flats in the house. I looked out of the windows and saw broken chests of drawers and clothes strewn over the sand outside. Other rooms have been smashed up, clothes pulled out, cupboards broken.
"

[Michale32086]

It's a shame..

But the responsibility for all that lands squarely on HAMAS...

Michale.....

[Tiggy]

Perhaps we should cut some of the US aide to Israel to purchase food and water to send those in need. And for future growth, rebuilding and employment in Palestine, perhaps we should transfer all US aide from Israel to Palestine.

[PhilipTaylor]

If I were in power in IS, I would change my strategy completely and begin loading up truck after truck with water, food, clothing, building materials, medical supplies, and every other necessity.

I would be building individual PAL. relationships and friendships one person at a time fully recognizing that a NEW ERA has Arrived and that mutual cooperation and support is the only way to a better future for all!

[Freenation]

Beautiful articles:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/23/israelandthepalestinians-gaza

World should join against corrupt Israeli politicians convicting them for War crimes:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/21/israel-gaza-international-law

Article snapshots:
"Meanwhile a senior minister in the Israeli government has been quoted in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz as saying that when the full extent of the destruction brought on Gaza becomes known "I will not be taking my holidays in Amsterdam"."

"Amnesty International has now joined the United Nations and Human Rights Watch in accusing the Israeli government of breaking international law outlawing the use of white phosphorus shells in the middle of highly populated areas of Gaza. "

What ever spin they make, there is absolutely no justification in killing Women and Children. People ACT NOW, write to your politicians to stop taking favors from AIPAC and start working for humanity: No Honesty = No Vote = No Power

[BADRALDUJA]

i quote this is exactly what president obama said about gaza and israel.

“I was deeply concerned by the loss of Palestinian and Israeli life in recent days and by the substantial suffering and humanitarian needs in Gaza. Our hearts go out to Palestinian civilians who are in need of immediate food, clean water, and basic medical care, and who’ve faced suffocating poverty for far too long.”

[Freenation]

Beautiful article, of course will not be seen on NYTIMES, NYPOST, WSJ and other USA MM:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/23/israelandthepalestinians-gaza

World should join against corrupt Israeli politicians convicting them for War crimes, enough is enough:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/21/israel-gaza-international-law

Article snapshots:
"Meanwhile a senior minister in the Israeli government has been quoted in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz as saying that when the full extent of the destruction brought on Gaza becomes known "I will not be taking my holidays in Amsterdam"."

"Amnesty International has now joined the United Nations and Human Rights Watch in accusing the Israeli government of breaking international law outlawing the use of white phosphorus shells in the middle of highly populated areas of Gaza. "

What ever spin they make, there is absolutely no justification in killing Women and Children. If you kill them you will be held accountable. Israeli politicians and senior IDF personnel should be penalized for killing civilians...

People ACT NOW, write to your politicians to stop taking favors from AIPAC and start working for humanity....Just tell them frankly they might get funding from AIPAC but voting power is with public...
No Honesty = No Vote = No Power

Enough is Enough!

[JeffKolakowski]

In his remarks, Obama blames everything on the Hamas and the Palestinians. He shows sympathy for their lack of food and other vital, life-sustaining supplies, but does not hold Israel to blame for any of it. The smuggling that he hopes to stop is the only reason the entire Palestinian population has not already starved to death. He also fails to mention that Hamas maintained a cease fire of rockets into Israel, even while the cruel blockade has been maintained by Israel. For the umpteenth time, it was Israel who broke the cease fire on November 4. Same old crap, different president.

[SiberianRat]

I agree. My hope though is that he's taking it easy for now and will change his tune as time goes. Also, hopefully he'll send Mitchell over with a far stronger message to Israel to shape up.

[BADRALDUJA]

I also heard which is never mentioned that mitchell is form lebanese decent.

[BADRALDUJA]

Well one cant please all at the same time,and his top priority if to please the ones that made it possible for him to be where he is now,and that is the AIPAC.
after all all through his running for office and winning was reasuring israel that no matter what happened,how many palestinians perish,he will always be with israel wether israel is right or wrong.

[Freenation]

Articles like these justify the 'troop blogger' theory to perfection, do read the user comments just sickening:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01232009/postopinion/opedcolumnists/gaza__our_ideals_151420.htm

Neocon spin:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123241373428396239.html

[SiberianRat]

I'll take your word for it--I can't read that stuff--depresses me to no end.

[piul05]

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21821.htm

[SiberianRat]

Fisk rocks.

[BADRALDUJA]

I have met frost in lebanon through out the wars that waged on my beautifull country,i must admit the man is an encyclopedia about the mid-east conflict,he has seen all first hand and knows what he is talking about,but it bothers the people who dont want the truth.

[Carolab]

Did you mean "Fisk"?

[tiredofwaiting]

what huffpost didn't print - the full text of obama's speech

Let me be clear: America is committed to Israel's security. And we will always support Israel's right to defend itself against legitimate threats. For years, Hamas has launched thousands of rockets at innocent Israeli citizens. No democracy can tolerate such danger to its people, nor should the international community, and neither should the Palestinian people themselves, whose interests are only set back by acts of terror.

To be a genuine party to peace, the quartet has made it clear that Hamas must meet clear conditions: recognize Israel's right to exist; renounce violence; and abide by past agreements. Going forward, the outline for a durable cease-fire is clear: Hamas must end its rocket fire; Israel will complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza; the United States and our partners will support a credible anti-smuggling and interdiction regime, so that Hamas cannot rearm.

Yesterday I spoke to President Mubarak and expressed my appreciation for the important role that Egypt played in achieving a cease-fire. And we look forward to Egypt's continued leadership and partnership in laying a foundation for a broader peace through a commitment to end smuggling from within its borders.

[SiberianRat]

You cut it short too, and suspiciously so. From Democracy Now:

President Obama: “I was deeply concerned by the loss of Palestinian and Israeli life in recent days and by the substantial suffering and humanitarian needs in Gaza. Our hearts go out to Palestinian civilians who are in need of immediate food, clean water and basic medical care, and who’ve faced suffocating poverty for far too long. Now we must extend a hand of opportunity to those who seek peace. As part of a lasting ceasefire, Gaza’s border crossings should be open to allow the flow of aid and commerce, with an appropriate monitoring regime, with the international and Palestinian Authority participating. Relief efforts must be able to reach innocent Palestinians who depend on them.”

In further comments that could signal a departure from Bush, Obama mentioned the Arab League peace initiative, which would offer Israel normalized relations in return for a full withdrawal from the Occupied Territories and a just resolution for Palestinian refugees. The Bush administration had backed Israel’s rejection of the offer and its expansion of settlements in the Occupied West Bank.

[tiredofwaiting]

i do apologize. i saw that (what you quoted) had been posted earlier. and yes, i should have included it. i felt obama was fair and balanced. thanks for pointing out my remiss.

[NewThink]

Dreat words from the graet man

[ObjectiveReality]

I was not exactly pleased with President Obama's first cabinet pick in Rahm Emanuel. With that said, I think Obama/Clinton's choice in George Mitchell to Mideast envoy is a positive development.
Obama has said on a few occasions now how he is "deeply concerned" with the loss of life. I take that to mean he is referring to Gaza much more than Israel. Especially since the death toll in Gaza is 1200+ to 13...

3 days in, and I am pleased with Obama's direction.
I remain hopeful there can be a peaceful resolution in my life time.

[digdeeper]

I was also pleased with the George Mitchell pick. He will do a good job. I wasn't all together pleased with what Obama said about Gaza, mainly because the usual the rhetoric came into it, that is to say the desperate need to be evenhanded.
Zionists stole and are I still stealing Palestinian land. Zionists hold hundreds of Palestinians without trial (sound like somewhere we know?). The People of Gaza have suffered lack of food, clean water, electricity, the freedom to move beyond their land, freedom to work etc etc etc.& long before the latest Israeli "war"
Yes factions in Gaza sent in rockets to Israel with very few casualties and Israel killed 1500 people very many being women and children, bombed UN sanctuaries, used phospherous, rendered the whole area of Gaza to look like the blitz in WW11 and Obama said "deeply concerned about the loss of life in Israel and Gaza" Not exactly an evenhanded statement.
I know how difficult it is for him to start to change the rhetoric, but start he must, if he is to achieve peace in the Middle East.
One last thing. The Israelis broke the ceasefire and before the 6month truce even started they were preparing for that war (Government spokesman said as much)

[ObjectiveReality]

I understand and agree! The situation is absolutely horrid and my only hope is there is somehow, a peaceful solution within our life time...

Write to President Obama and share your thoughts/concerns, often! President @ Whitehouse dot gov.

[CanisLatrans]

Funny! When al-Qaeda strikes at American civilians in New York, they rationalize it as American Democracy making Americans responsible for the actions of their government.

But when Hamas is democratically elected and engages in a long-running, 8 year war of V2 rocket terror against Israel, suddenly those people *shouldn't* be held responsible for the actions of the government they chose!

This stuff writes itself, folks.

[Sentientbeing09]

8 year war? Where have you been?

Israel has been occupying Palestine with military forces for forty years. Palestinians and any other occupied population has a legitimate right to fight against military occupation.

Can you imagine having the armies of a foreign power walking around your neighborhood and driving round in tanks for FORTY years?

[SEQUOIABISON]

I think Senator Mitchell is someone both sides of this dispute can trust to be fair and equitable, instead of the usual Ambassador sent to the Middle East to try to bring peace to the region, people like Dennis Ross who obviously failed to accomplish any meaningful reconciliation.

I am extremely encouraged by President Obama's statement at the State Dept yesterday, it is the first time in 8 years that a United States president empathized with the harsh suffering of the Palestinians.

"Our hearts go out to Palestinian civilians who are in need of immediate food, clean water, and basic medical care, and who've faced suffocating poverty for far too long."

We all know that the powerful Israeli lobbying group AIPAC forces our politicians to hold the line in blind support of Israel, so our new president must go forward cautiously if he does not want to create a backlash from this influential group, I think Mitchell is a great fresh start.

[b1rd67]

We give more military aid to Israel than we give to all other countries in the world combined, and unlike all of those other countries, there is no requirement that they spend that money back into American companies. Israel is no friend of the US. What do we get in return for this aid? In 1967 they fired on a US Navy research vessel, killing American sailors and claiming that it was an accident, they have been caught numerous times spying on us and they have shelled UN installations in Gaza and Lebanon. All of these "friendly fire" incidents can be connected to some war crime that they didn't want the world to see... kill the witnesses or scare them away so they can continue the genocide. Why do we give them money? They have no strategic value. They have no natural resources that we need. The only noteable thing they import into the US are the Uzis that street gangs use to kill cops. We should cut all military aid to Israel and use the money to help Americans!

[delayfx]

Well, we get a lot of high-tech research out of Israel, everything from weapons research (the Arrow anti-missile project, F-16 upgraded avionics packages) to Intel's processor designs (the last 5 years worth all came out of Intel's Israeli design center). Also diamonds and various medical technology appliances, amongst many other things.

So possibly you should shut up about Uzis being the only thing Israel exports to the US.