Arab Americans call Bill Clinton's remarks on Gaza 'tone deaf'
Former US President Bill Clinton has sparked backlash online after saying the Palestinian group Hamas “forces" Israel to kill Palestinian civilians.
Clinton addressed an audience in Michigan on Wednesday to rally support for Democratic Party candidate Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 5 November US presidential elections, with a speech that discussed Israel's ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.
He said that criticism of Israel’s disproportionate response was misguided.
"That all sounds nice until you realise what would you do if it was your family and you hadn't done anything but support a homeland for the Palestinians and one day they come for you and slaughter the people in your village.
"You would say, 'Well you'll have to forgive me, I'm not keeping score that way - it isn't how many we've had to kill' - because Hamas makes sure that they're shielded by civilians, they'll force you to kill civilians if you want to defend yourself."