Obama calls for unconditional release of IDF soldier

US President Barack Obama calls for the unconditional release of IDF soldier 2nd-Lt. Hadar Goldin, captured by Hamas this morning.

It is important to note that we have, and I have, unequivocally condemned Hamas and the Palestinian factions responsible for killing two Israeli soldiers and abducting a third, almost minutes after a ceasefire has been announced. The UN also condemned them. I want to make sure they are listening and if they are serious about trying to resolve this situation, that soldier must be unconditionally released,” he says at a press conference.

Obama reiterated that the US supports Israel’s right to defend itself but that the mounting death toll in Gaza “weighs on our conscience” and more must be done to protect them.

“The ceasefire was a way to step back, stop the killing and try to resolve some issues that have been building up.”

Obama acknowledged that it will be hard to put a ceasefire back together if Israel and international community cannot trust that Hamas will abide by the agreement.

Obama said that it is “heartbreaking to see what is happening in Gaza” but that “Israel has to be able to defend itself and get at those rockets and tunnels.” He blasts the “irresponsible actions of Hamas” which houses these rocket launchers in civilian neighborhoods.