Reminder: Obama saw demilitarization of Gaza as LAST step ("ultimately")
Dr. Aaron Lerner 18 October 2017

While Israel decided last night not to engage in negotiations with a
"unified" PA until Hamas was disarmed, the Obama administration linked "the
disarmament of terrorist groups and the demilitarization of Gaza" to the
achievement of an overall solution to the "Israeli-Palestinian conflict "

"The President stressed the U.S. view that, ultimately, any lasting solution
to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must ensure the disarmament of terrorist
groups and the demilitarization of Gaza."
The White House - Office of the Press Secretary - July 27, 2014 - Readout of
the President’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel

The use of the word "ultimately" by Mr. Obama made clear that the
disarmament of terrorist groups and the demilitarization of Gaza was a LAST
step - probably during the implementation of an agreement that constituted a
" lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

Here is the complete text:


The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
July 27, 2014
Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/07/27/readout-president-s-call-prime-minister-netanyahu-israel


President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke again today by phone
about the situation in Gaza. The President underscored the United States’
strong condemnation of Hamas’ rocket and tunnel attacks against Israel and
reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. The President also reiterated
the United States’ serious and growing concern about the rising number of
Palestinian civilian deaths and the loss of Israeli lives, as well as the
worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Building on Secretary Kerry’s efforts, the President made clear the
strategic imperative of instituting an immediate, unconditional humanitarian
ceasefire that ends hostilities now and leads to a permanent cessation of
hostilities based on the November 2012 ceasefire agreement. The President
reaffirmed the United States’ support for Egypt’s initiative, as well as
regional and international coordination to end hostilities. The President
underscored the enduring importance of ensuring Israel’s security,
protecting civilians, alleviating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, and enacting a
sustainable ceasefire that both allows Palestinians in Gaza to lead normal
lives and addresses Gaza’s long-term development and economic needs, while
strengthening the Palestinian Authority. The President stressed the U.S.
view that, ultimately, any lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict must ensure the disarmament of terrorist groups and the
demilitarization of Gaza.