President Obama supports Israel’s right to defend itself while also stating that the escalating violence in the Middle East region is a potent threat to the peace process.
In calling for an end to the firing of missiles from Gaza into Israel, Obama, when speaking at a press conference in Thailand, said, “Israel has every right to expect that it does not have missiles fired into its territory. If that can be accomplished without a ramping up of military activity in Gaza, that’s preferable. That’s not just preferable for the people in Gaza it’s also preferable for the Israelis because if Israeli troops are in Gaza they are much more at risk of incurring fatalities or being wounded.”
The President went on to say that “there is no country on earth that would tolerate missiles raining down on its citizens from outside its borders.” He also reiterated America’s support for Israel and said that they will continue to support Israel’s right to defend themselves in light of recent events.
Obama was also of the opinion that if both sides are serious of resolving this matter amicably, the peace process clearly begins with a ceasefire, which puts civilians on both sides at potential risk. It’s only when this happens that the countries can have enough space to find a way to solve this longstanding conflict.
In speaking with the Egyptian and Turkish Presidents, who are empathetic to the cause of the Palestianians, the President also warned them saying that any escalation of the crisis in Gaza will push a two state solution far into the distant future.