Former U.S. President Barack Obama has come under fire from social media users for his recent post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Critics accuse him of dehumanizing Palestinians and employing a ‘bothsides-ing’ approach to what many describe as a genocide. In his post, Obama expressed relief at the prospect of ending the conflict, reuniting hostages with their families, and delivering aid to Gaza. However, his choice of words sparked widespread outrage. Many users highlighted his distinction between ‘Israeli families’ and ‘the people of Gaza,’ arguing that it perpetuates a long-standing pattern of Western rhetoric that diminishes Palestinian humanity. Palestinian-American human rights attorney Noura Erakat emphasized that the people of Gaza are Palestinians who have endured a century-long struggle for survival. Media critic Sana Saeed described Obama’s language as a ‘masterclass in rendering Palestinians faceless and nameless.’ Others criticized his use of the term ‘conflict,’ which they argue misrepresents the situation as a war between equals rather than a genocide. Historian Assal Rad stressed that acknowledging the genocide is essential for accountability and justice. This is not the first time Obama has faced criticism for his stance on Israel and Palestine. In 2023, he supported Israel’s ‘right to defend itself’ while urging attention to Palestinian suffering, a stance some labeled as ‘bothsides-ing.’ The recent ceasefire agreement, signed on Thursday, includes the exchange of captives and aims to begin rebuilding Gaza. However, critics argue that true peace cannot be achieved without justice and accountability for Israel’s actions.
