Former US president Barack Obama at an event in Athens in June. AP
Former US president Barack Obama at an event in Athens in June. AP
Former US president Barack Obama at an event in Athens in June. AP
Former US president Barack Obama at an event in Athens in June. AP

Gaza blockade plays into hands of Israel's enemies, says Obama


Ellie Sennett
  • English
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Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza

Former US president Barack Obama on Monday warned Israel that any military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire and “plays into the hands” of enemies such as Hamas.

“The Israeli government’s decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis, it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israel’s enemies, and undermine long-term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region,” Mr Obama wrote.

He repeated his support for Israel's right to defend itself and said that Washington's historic ally faces “an enormously difficult task” in its counter-offensive in Gaza.

Mr Obama concluded his statement urging a rejection of anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian sentiments.

He also recognised Israel has “every right to exist,” but Palestinians have “also lived in disputed territories for generations

Mr Obama served two terms as US president between 2009 and 2017. During his time in office, a tense relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at times shook the US-Israeli special relationship.

This included Mr Netanyahu coming to a joint session of Congress to speak out against the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which was a major part of Mr Obama's regional policy.

Barack Obama through the years – in pictures

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Director: Christian Carion

Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis

Rating: 2/5

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Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

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Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

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Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

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Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

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Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

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12.30pm GP3 race (18 laps)

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THREE
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Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

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Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

Updated: October 23, 2023, 9:33 PM`