Obama hosts Iftar dinner at White House

US President Barack Obama said during an Iftar dinner hosted late Monday at the White House that marking the holy month of Ramadan "reminds us of our responsibilities to each other beyond our borders, as well as within." In remarks, Obama stressed "even as we celebrate all that we have in common, we know that in too many corners of the world we see violence and terror of those who would destroy rather than build." He affirmed that "these are particularly difficult times in the Middle East" shedding light on Syria and Iraq.
He also discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying "the pictures we are seeing in Gaza and Israel are heart wrenching. People here in the United States care deeply about what's happening there, and I know there are strong views, as well as differences, about how we should move forward, which is part of American democracy. We welcome that debate. That makes us stronger." "Our goal has been and continues to be peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians," he affirmed.
"I will say very clearly, no country can accept rocket fired indiscriminately at citizens," he stressed.
He noted "we've been very clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against what I consider to be inexcusable attacks from Hamas." He added "at the same time, on top of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza that we've worked long and hard to alleviate, the death and injury of Palestinian civilians is a tragedy, which is why we've emphasized the need to protect civilians, regardless of who they are or where they live." "I believe further escalation benefits no one, least of all the Israeli and the Palestinian people. So we're going to continue doing everything we can to facilitate a return to the 2012 cease-fire," he continued.
Obama affirmed "we are encouraged that Egypt has made a proposal to accomplish this goal, which we hope can restore the calm that we've been seeking." "More broadly, however, the situation in Gaza reminds us again that the status quo is unsustainable and that the only path to true security is a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, where differences are resolved peacefully and in ways that respect the dignity of all people," he reiterated.
"So tonight, as we gather to celebrate Ramadan, let's renew our obligations to one another," Obama remarked.