Obama: ’Israel’ Has Right to ’Defend’ against Rockets

Local Editor

US President Barack Obama claimed Wednesday that the Zionist entity "has a right to defend itself against rocket attacks."

However, he lamented the deaths of civilians in Gaza. He stressed the need to protect civilians in Gaza and in "Israel" and to avoid further escalation.

He stressed that the United States will use all its diplomatic resources and relationships to secure a deal on a cease-fire to end violence between "Israel" and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Obama said the US supports Egypt's continued efforts to restore the 2012 cease-fire. He said the US was working with its partners in the region to secure a cease-fire and would stay in close contact during the next 24 hours.
"There's no country on Earth that can be expected to live under a daily barrage of rockets," Obama said at the White House.

"But over the past two weeks, we've all been heartbroken by the violence, especially the death and injury of so many innocent civilians in Gaza - men, women and children who were caught in the crossfire. That's why we have been working with our partners in the region to pursue a cease-fire, to protect civilians on both sides," he added.

He further added: "Now, yesterday "Israel" did agree to a cease-fire. Unfortunately, Hamas continued to fire rockets at civilians, thereby prolonging the conflict."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team