Obama Criticizes Israel

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has sharply criticized the actions taken by Israel in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He warned that military power alone cannot guarantee long-term security; rather, the refusal to make any concessions to the Palestinians could undermine Israel’s moral standing.

According to a report by the *Belfast Telegraph*, Obama made these remarks last Tuesday in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during a discussion with award-winning author and journalist Susan McKay.

Regarding Israel’s war in Gaza, Obama stated that this violence should be “painful” for everyone. He described it as a destructive cycle fueled by historical grievances, rigid mindsets, and deep-seated divisions.

While acknowledging the long history of Jewish persecution in Europe, he emphasized that the Palestinians have also been subjected to profound injustice through the loss of their land.

“It is undeniable,” Obama said. “It is also true that land was taken from people, and that there were excesses. Naturally, those affected have said, ‘This is an injustice; I want my land back.’”

In Obama’s view, the stronger party bears a greater responsibility for breaking this cycle of conflict. Relying solely on military and technological superiority is not enough.

He argued that if Israel’s perspective is, “Because we are the strongest and most technologically advanced in the region, our security depends on acting as we please, taking whatever we want, and making no concessions to anyone”—then that approach is fundamentally flawed.

He added, “That might work in the short term... but by taking such a position, you lose your moral foundation.”

The former U.S. President suggested that the current Israeli government appears to have chosen this path, reminding them that millions of Palestinians will continue to live in the region. Obama said, "I think the current Israeli government has perhaps taken that path. They need to accept that 7 million Palestinians are not going anywhere."

Earlier on Tuesday, Obama received an honorary doctorate degree from Queen's University Belfast.

Source: Anadolu