Jimmy Carter Cancels Visit to Gaza
Image by Getty Images
Carter and a delegation from the Elders, an international group of elder statesmen who advance peace and reconciliation, had been scheduled to arrive in Gaza on Thursday. No reason was given for the cancellation, which was announced on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported.
The former U.S. leader had been scheduled to meet with leaders of Hamas, which controls Gaza. Carter last visited Gaza in 2009, where he met with Hamas leaders.
Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Isaac Herzog both rejected invitations to meet with Carter. Israel did, however, approve Carter’s request to cross from Israel into Gaza.
It is not known if Carter will go ahead with a visit to the West Bank to visit with Palestinian officials there.
Carter, who wrote a book titled “Palestine: Peace not Apartheid,” has called for the labeling of goods that originate in the West Bank, and said that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was among the factors that led to the deadly attacks in January in Paris.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
