Clinton speaks out on the Hamas attack, Israeli airstrike

Posted By Megan Carpentier Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 11:35 PM Share

A roadside bomb today killed an Israeli solider patrolling the Gaza border and prompted an Israeli airstrike, breaking the fragile ceasefire that has been in place since Januuary 18. This afternoon, Hillary Clinton came out firmly on the side of Israel in her press briefing. In addition to stating that the solution is an Israeli-Palestinian solution, Clinton added:
But of course, we’re concerned about the humanitarian suffering. We’re concerned any time innocent civilians, Palestinian or Israeli, are attacked. That’s why we support Israel’s right to self-defense. The rocket barrages, which are getting closer and closer to populated areas, cannot go unanswered. And it’s, you know, regrettable that the Hamas leadership apparently believes that it is in their interest to provoke the right of self-defense instead of building a better future for the people of Gaza.
There have been pointed breaks with the previous administration this week on Iran and climate change, but this is one area of policy where there hasn't been a huge amount of sunlight between Bush and Barack so far.
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Madam Secretary is an obsessive blog about all things Hillary Clinton. From her policies to her pantsuits, Madam Secretary delivers up-to-the-minute news, analysis, and gossip about America's top diplomat.