Obama Determined to Bring Durable Peace Deal to Middle East

Barack Obama recently said he will prioritize the Gaza-Israel conflict over any other foreign policy issue before him. Addressing the conflict for the first time since his inauguration, Obama promised a durable ceasefire. Barack Obama isn't wasting any time getting used to the new furniture. The Middle East is on the top of his agenda, he said recently. He plans on sending a newly appointed Middle East envoy to the region “as soon as possible” in an effort to mediate one of the world’s most complicated conflicts. George Mitchell, a senior diplomat who helped forge the Good Friday agreement in Northern Ireland, is being tapped to shore up a fragile truce in Gaza. Inquiring minds want to know Obama's true sentiments about finding peace in the Middle East. The president addressed the Gaza conflict for the first time since his inauguration, telling the press the outline for a durable ceasefire was clear: “Hamas must end its rocket fire; Israel will complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza.” Without prompt, Obama said he would usher in a “new era of American leadership”. Diplomacy will trump intervention, he said.

Photo by Sameh A. Habeeb

Residents stand beside a destroyed building in Gaza City

image:46206:14::0

“It will be the policy of my administration to actively and aggressively seek a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians as well as Israel and its Arab neighbours,” Obama said, as reported by The National. The Obama position arrived as the ceasefire in Gaza, less than a week old, is on tentative ground. Israel warned it would strike Gaza again if Hamas could rearm. They were concerned that smuggling through tunnels along the Egyptian border had resumed. Also, Obama stressed the importance of bringing humanitarian relief to Gaza, free from censure. Previously, relief agencies had complained Israel wasn't allowing important food and medicine to pass through borders.