Two-and-a-half days after Hamas attacked Israel, killing at least 900 Israelis, wounding thousands and taking more than 100 people of all ages hostage, former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton issued statements within an hour of each other.
“All Americans should be horrified and outraged by the brazen terrorist attacks on Israel and the slaughter of innocent civilians,” Obama wrote on X at about 5:03 p.m. Washington, D.C., time on Monday.
“We grieve for those who died, pray for the safe return of those who’ve been held hostage and stand squarely alongside our ally, Israel, as it dismantles Hamas,” Obama stated. “As we support Israel’s right to defend itself against terror, we must keep striving for a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Clinton wrote at 6:02 p.m.: “I condemn the horrific terrorist assault carried out by Hamas in Israel, and mourn the senseless loss of life. My heart is with all those affected by the violence, including American families.”
“Now is a time for the world to rally against terrorism and to support Israeli democracy,” Clinton added. “I stand with the government of Israel and all Israelis, and urge them to stand together. This is a moment to focus on purpose over politics.”
Former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and George W. Bush, through his presidential center, issued statements supporting Israel on Saturday.
The Carter Center, associated with former President Jimmy Carter, issued a statement on Sunday calling “for the protection of Israeli and Palestinian civilians amid escalating violence.”
The day after the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust, the Carter Center stated that it “strongly condemns the targeting of Israeli and Palestinian civilians and calls for genuine dialogue as well as international collective action to halt hostilities in the region.”
“Thank you, but how come this took two days longer than it took the New York Jets to make a statement?” one X user asked Clinton.
