Gaza assault dominates talk at White House Iftar
The event went ahead despite calls by some Arab activists for a boycott over US support for Israel and alleged domestic surveillance of Muslims.
At the dinner, Obama said, “I will say very clearly, no country can accept rockets fired indiscriminately at civilians. We have been very clear – Israel has a right to defend itself against what I consider to be inexcusable attacks from Hamas.”
“At the same time ... the death and injury of Palestinian civilians is a tragedy, which is why we have emphasised the need to protect civilians regardless of who they are or where they live.”
Obama also used the Iftar dinner to bemoan the “particularly difficult” times in the Middle East, including the “brutality” of President Bashar al Assad’s regime in Syria and reiterated the need for a new government that can unite Iraqis to face the challenge from extremists.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2014.
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@Mr Khan: "Not surprised" Mr Khan: I cannot improve on your missive.
Not surprised. This is a man who is killing civilians, including children, in drone strikes all over the world. Murderers don't condemn other murders.
"At the dinner, Obama said, “I will say very clearly, no country can accept rockets fired indiscriminately at civilians. We have been very clear – Israel has a right to defend itself against what I consider to be inexcusable attacks from Hamas.”
The guests were very satisfied with Obama's answer. They ate their Ifthar and left the White House happily.