Barack Obama Praises President Biden’s Plan to End Gaza Conflict

Former President Barack Obama has praised President Biden’s newly announced plan to establish an immediate ceasefire and end the war in Gaza. The plan, described by Obama as “clear, realistic, and just,” aims to ensure Israel’s security, return hostages taken on October 7th to their families, increase aid into Gaza, alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians, and involve Israelis, Palestinians, Arab countries, and the broader international community in the rebuilding of Gaza.

“While a ceasefire alone won’t ease the terrible pain of Israelis whose loved ones were killed or abducted by Hamas, or the Palestinians whose families have been shattered by the subsequent war, it can stop the ongoing bloodshed,” Obama said. “It will help reunite families and allow a surge of humanitarian aid to assist desperate, hungry people. A ceasefire can save lives immediately and lay the foundation for a long and difficult road towards a future where Israel is secure and at peace with its neighbors, and Palestinians finally achieve the security, freedom, and self-determination they have long sought.”

Obama acknowledged the global debate on how the United States should respond to the Gaza conflict over the past eight months. He emphasized that, regardless of individual stances on broader issues, an enduring ceasefire is a universally desirable outcome. “An enduring ceasefire is something we should all support—for the sake of Israelis, Palestinians, and the world at large,” he stated. 

Obama also expressed his encouragement by the persistent efforts of President Biden, Secretary of State Tony Blinken, and the U.S. diplomatic team in their endeavors to end the conflict. “I am deeply encouraged by the steady, tireless efforts of President Biden, Secretary of State Tony Blinken, and our diplomatic team to bring this awful war to an end,” he concluded.