Barack Obama addresses Israel-Palestine conflict in Belfast speech

During an event at Queen’s University Belfast where he received an honorary doctorate, former U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking to an audience of approximately 7,000 people, Obama described the current situation as a “sort of madness” and a “tribal, elemental, unforgiving divide.”

Obama noted that while the historical persecution of Jewish people in Europe created an undeniable need for refuge, he also stated that “they took land off people and they were expelled.” He suggested that a “genuine cessation” of hostilities is required before long-term solutions can be discussed, noting that Israel, as the stronger party, must make concessions to avoid losing moral ground.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Obama’s characterization, asserting that Jewish people are in the land of their forefathers and are not the obstacle to peace.