George W. Bush’s first comments since IDF ground troops went into Gaza two days ago come as no surprise. But his words are heartening nonetheless:

President George W. Bush, in his first public reaction to Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza, said Monday that the Jewish state was justified in protecting itself against Hamas militants. “I understand Israel’s desire to protect itself,” Bush said in the Oval Office. “The situation now taking place in Gaza was caused by Hamas.”

[…]

“Instead of caring about the people of Gaza, Hamas decided to use Gaza to launch rockets to kill innocent Israelis,” Bush said. “Israel’s obviously decided to protect herself and her people.” 

[…]

Bush said violence must be stopped, “but not at the expense of an agreement that does not prevent the crisis from happening again.”

He has always been at his best when speaking simple, but vital, truths.