Former US President Barack Obama spoke out on Friday against 'Israel’s' ongoing military operations in Gaza, describing the attacks as lacking a “military rationale” and urging progress toward Palestinian autonomy alongside a secure 'Israel'.

 

“I think that it is important for us to acknowledge those of us who are not direct parties to the violence to say, right now, children can’t starve. Right now, there’s not a military rationale for continuing to pummel what is already rubble,” Obama said during an event in Dublin, Ireland, according to a transcript released by his office.

 

He added, “It is unacceptable to ignore the human crisis that is happening inside of Gaza, and it is necessary for us to insist that both sides have to find a path in which a Palestinian state and autonomy exist side by side with a secure Israel.”

 

The former president’s remarks, rare public commentary on the genocide, come as global leaders convene in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, overshadowed by the intensifying war in Gaza.

 

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, criticized recent Western recognition of Palestinian statehood, accusing world leaders of succumbing to “a biased media, radical Islamist constituencies and antisemitic mobs.”

 

Obama also addressed the political complexities in the region. Referencing his own strained relationship with Netanyahu, he said, “Unfortunately, oftentimes the leadership, the politicians have a vested interest in maintaining the notion that it is simply us and them, and it’s their fault because that helps keep them in power. It’s a cynical game. I watched it throughout my presidency, and I was not always popular in that region because I would call them on it. I think it’s fair to say that me and the prime minister of Israel, who’s still there, were not the best of friends.”

 

At the same time, Obama condemned Hamas’s tactics, saying, “Hamas’s vicious approach to trying to solve a problem that puts all their people at risk is the height of cynicism that I reject as well.”

 

'Israel' launched a ground offensive in Gaza City earlier this month, following approval in August to take control of one of the last Hamas strongholds. The United Nations has warned that 'Israel’s' plans could forcibly displace roughly 1 million residents, while the 'Israeli' military estimates that 640,000 people have already fled the city.

 

Amid the escalating violence, the Trump administration has pushed for an end to the aggression. US envoys recently presented Arab leaders with a 21-point peace plan aimed at halting the war in Gaza.

 

President Trump also expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s approach, stating Thursday in the Oval Office, “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen. It’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”