It took them quite a while.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton issued statements Monday night condemning Hamas’ bloody bombing of Israel, more than two full days after the terrorist atrocity began.
“All Americans should be horrified and outraged by the brazen terrorist attacks against Israel and the slaughter of innocent civilians,” Obama wrote in Xpreviously Twitter, shortly after 5 p.m.
“We mourn for those who died, we pray for the safe return of those who have been held hostage, and we firmly support our ally, Israel, as it dismantles Hamas,” he continued. “While we support Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, we must continue to fight for a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Obama had a frosty relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who gave a speech to the GOP-led House of Representatives in 2015 attacking the 44th president’s nuclear deal with Iran.
Almost exactly an hour later, Clinton intervened.
Hamas unleashed an attack on Israel on Saturday. AFP via Getty Images Bill Clinton was conspicuously silent about the ongoing war in Israel. Getty Images
“I condemn the horrific terrorist attack carried out by Hamas in Israel and mourn the senseless loss of life. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the violence, including American families. “Now is the time for the world to unite against terrorism and support Israeli democracy.” said the 42nd president in his own post.
“I support the government of Israel and all Israelis and urge them to remain united. “This is a time to focus on purpose over politics.”
Clinton helped mediate the Oslo Accords of the mid-1990s between Palestinians and Israelis, which ultimately failed to usher in peace between the two sides.
While her husband remained silent, Hillary Clinton denounced the terrorist attacks on Sunday afternoon.
President Biden criticized the Hamas attack and affirmed US support for the Jewish State.Getty Images
“My prayers are with all those affected by Hamas’ horrific attacks in Israel,” wrote the former first lady, New York senator and secretary of state. “The United States stands firmly behind our ally, today and every day.”
Meanwhile, former presidents Donald Trump, 77, George W. Bush, also 77, and Jimmy Carter, 99, or their foundations have issued statements supporting the Jewish state.
The Carter Center said in a statement Sunday that it “strongly condemns the attacks against Israeli and Palestinian civilians and calls for genuine dialogue as well as collective international action to end hostilities in the region.”
Former President Barack Obama broke his silence on the war in Israel on Monday. GC Images Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to make Hamas pay the price for the bloody attack. via REUTERS
The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Texas said it “strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attacks against Israel that claimed dozens of innocent civilians. We urge the United States and our allies to unequivocally support Israel, its government and its people, and support Israel’s right to defend itself against these threats.”
Trump, who is seeking a second term as president, quickly denounced the violence in his own statement: “These Hamas attacks are a disgrace, and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force.”
Biden delivered public comments on the situation and deployed US warships to the region in response to the bloodshed.
“The United States unequivocally condemns this heinous attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and I made it clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we are ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel,” said the president on Saturday afternoon. in brief comments from the State Dining Room.
Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group largely concentrated in the Gaza Strip, took Israeli defenses by surprise with a barrage of thousands of rockets and ground attacks at dawn.
At least 900 Israelis are believed to have died in the bloody violence and an estimated 2,600 were injured, according to Israel Army Radio.
So far, Biden has confirmed that 11 Americans were killed and admitted that it is “likely” that American citizens were taken hostage.
Israel’s cabinet declared war for the first time in 50 years and launched airstrikes on Gaza ahead of an expected ground attack.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn