Agencies: President Barack Obama is calling on Israel and Hamas to take steps aimed at ensuring that the cease-fire that is in place in Gaza will endure.
Speaking about the conflict for the first time following his inauguration, Obama called on Hamas to end rocket fire at Israel, and for Israel to complete the pullout of forces from Gaza.
Announcing the appointment of Senator George Mitchell as his middle east envoy, he said his administration would support a two state solution and a "credible" system of ending smuggling into Gaza.
Obama said he's "deeply concerned" by the loss of life among both Israelis and Palestinians, and by the suffering taking place in Gaza. He said his heart goes out to civilians who are going without food, water or medical care.
He said Gaza's borders should be opened to allow aid to come in, with "appropriate monitoring."
Obama said it would be the policy of his government to "actively and aggressively seek a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians as well as Israel and its Arab neighbors," adding that he would send Mitchell soon to the region.
He also outlined the criteria for a lasting ceasefire, saying: "Hamas must end its rocket fire, Israel will complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza. The United States and our partners will support a credible anti-smuggling and interdiction regime so that Hamas cannot rearm".
Speaking about the request to open the borders, Obama said: "Now we must extend a hand of opportunity to those who seek peace, as part of a lasting ceasefire, Gaza's border crossings should be open to allow the flow of aid and commerce…Relief efforts must be able to reach innocent Palestinians who depend on them.''
