Former CIA chief criticises Israeli bombardment of Gaza

Former CIA chief John Brennan has criticised Israel's bombardment of Gaza, saying that Israeli attacks killing civilians in the besieged enclave "demand international opprobrium".

Hamas rocket attacks deserve strong condemnation.

Israeli strikes into Gaza killing civilians also demand international opprobrium.

If Israel shows the courage to support a two-state solution, more Palestinian leaders & people will reject violence & marginalize Hamas.
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) May 17, 2021

Before the current crisis began, Brennan - who led the CIA under Barack Obama - had called on US President Joe Biden to pressure Israel to end abuses against Palestinians.

"The Biden administration is dealing with a dizzying array of domestic and international problems but the Palestinian quest for statehood deserves the early engagement of his national security team," Brennan wrote in the New York Times last month.

The United States needs to tell Israeli leaders to cease provocative settlement construction and the sort of oppressive security practices depicted in 'The Present'," he added, referring to an Oscar-nominated short Palestinian film.