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Israel-Hamas conflict: Internet tells Barack Obama to 'retire to his mansion' as former President refuses to pick a side

The former President offered his perspective during an appearance on the 'Pod Save America' podcast

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Barack Obama faced considerable backlash on social media after he hesitated to pick a side in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

While he expressed empathy for the people of Gaza, he also condemned the actions of Hamas.

Obama made these remarks during an appearance on the 'Pod Save America' podcast, framing the conflict as a "moral reckoning for all of us."

Barack Obama's perspective on the conflict

"If you want to solve the problem, then you have to take in the whole truth," Obama stated during the podcast and added, "And you then have to admit nobody's hands are clean, that all of us are complicit to some degree."

The current conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted when the militant group launched an attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in more than 1,400 casualties. In response, Israel initiated a series of air strikes and a ground offensive. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported over 9,200 Palestinian casualties.

In his podcast appearance, Obama called for understanding both sides of the conflict. He said, "What Hamas did was horrific and there's no justification for it. And what is also true is that the occupation and what's happening to Palestinians is unbearable."

Obama reflected on his time as president and the challenges of advancing peace in the region. "I look at this and I think back, 'What could I have done during my presidency to move this forward?' as hard as I tried. I've got the scars to prove it," he said.

He expressed his vision for a peace and said, "genuine security for Israel, a recognition of its right to exist, and a peace that is based on an end of the occupation and the creation of a viable state and self-determination for the Palestinian people."

The former president also acknowledged the emotional impact of the ongoing conflict, saying, "It is impossible to be dispassionate in the face of this carnage. It is hard to feel hopeful. The images of families mourning, of bodies being pulled from rubble, force a moral reckoning on all of us."

Obama concluded by advocating for open dialogue between individuals with differing views on the matter. He encouraged people to "speak to somebody on the other side and listen to them and understand what they are talking about and not dismiss it."

Social media reactions

However, Obama's comments did not sit well with many on social media.

"Happy for him. Dont really care what former presidents/politicians have to say anymore. Go retire in your mansion," one posted on X.

"Bro bombed waaaaay too many children to be giving out think pieces," another alleged.

"No one cares about his opinion. We know his opinion on #ISRAEL. He's never had their backs!! Let's not forget his World Wide Apology Tour of the Muslim world after he was elected!!!!" a comment read.

"He’s a Wordsmith. And his dancing around the real issues and real terminologies is incredible to witness," someone else quipped.

"Why is he even speaking?" another wondered.

Israel-Hamas Conflict: Obama vs Biden

Throughout his presidency, Obama often supported Israel's right to self-defense at the start of conflicts with Hamas but called for restraint as Palestinian casualties increased. His administration attempted but ultimately failed to broker a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

In contrast, President Joe Biden, who assumed office in early 2021, has not initiated new peace talks, citing intransigence on both sides and an unfavorable climate. Biden has maintained strong support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas but has also warned against causing disproportionate harm to Palestinian civilians.

Meanwhile, Former President Donald Trump, often lauded for fostering peace in the Middle East during his administration, initially criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the Hamas attack, saying he wasn't "prepared." However, he later retracted his comments and reaffirmed his support for Israel, the Associated Press reported.