In first comment on Gaza crisis, Obama says he wants ceasefire 'restored'

[Fozzledick]

VIENNA -- The United States is committed to a diplomatic effort that will "restore the cease-fire" between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, US President Barack Obama said from the White House on Wednesday, in his first statement on the developing crisis.

Obama noted the Israeli government initially accepted a cease-fire brokered by Egypt and re-affirmed that Israel had a right to defend itself.

"Unfortunately, Hamas continued to fire rockets at civilians" during the Egyptian effort, Obama said, "thereby prolonging the conflict."

"As I’ve said repeatedly, Israel has a right to defend itself from rocket attacks that terrorize the Israeli people. There is no country on Earth that can be expected to live under a daily barrage of rockets," Obama said.

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/In-first-comment-on-Gaza-crisis-Obama-says-he-wants-ceasefire-restored-363098

[Rex]

1. Pretty much what I expected him to say. nt

[malaise]

2. Thanks for this

[King_David]

4. Egypt proposed a cease fire

Hamas rejected it out of hand and Israel accepted it.