Obama criticizes Israel’s decision to cut off food and water to Gaza

Ex-president says decision threatens to worsen humanitarian crisis, undermine peace effort and erode global support for Israel

Some of Israel's decisions in its war against Hamas - including cutting off food and water for Gaza - could harden Palestinian attitudes for generations" and weaken international support for Israel, Barack Obama said Monday.

In rare comments on an active foreign policy crisis, the ex-US president said any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs of the war could ultimately backfire".