Overview

• On July 27, Barack Obama reposted a New York Times article by José Andrés drawing attention to child starvation in Gaza and urging the release of all hostages before any further Israeli military operations.
• Between July 28 and 30, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl publicly accused Obama of channeling billions to Iran and Hamas while failing to demand immediate hostage releases.
• Pearl urged Obama to tell Hamas to stop diverting aid, cease attacks on relief workers and withdraw from Gaza to ease civilian suffering.
• In interviews, Pearl characterized Israel as a key U.S. ally for its technological and military ties and its role in blocking Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
• Obama has not responded to Pearl’s accusations, extending a rare public dispute over U.S. policy on Gaza aid and the hostages.