Obama Warns of Dangerous Moment in ME

Local Editor

US President Barack Obama called for "Israelis" and Palestinians alike to show restraint and put an end to acts of retribution, in some of his first public comments on the "Israeli" escalation.

In an op-ed piece in the "Israeli" newspaper Haaretz, Obama called it a "dangerous moment" for the region where a US talk's effort recently collapsed.

Writing in emotional terms, he claimed that "he has his heartbroken by the senseless murder of a Palestinian teenager who many suspect was killed as payback."

"All parties must protect the innocent and act with reasonableness and restraint, not vengeance and retribution," Obama said.

Obama's comments were published in Hebrew, Arabic and English.

Haaretz said the op-ed published late Monday was intended for the newspaper's upcoming so-called "peace" summit.

Obama also offered strong praise for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. "In President Abbas, "Israel" has a counterpart committed to a two-state solution and security cooperation with "Israel"," Obama said. He offered no parallel praise for "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Obama said the US was disappointed that American-backed talks fell apart, but said the US won't give up on "peace".

"When the political will exists to recommit to serious negotiations, the United States will be there, ready to do our part," Obama said.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team