Barack Obama, in a rare comment by a former US president on a foreign policy crisis, has warned Israel’s military strategy could backfire it if continued to ignore the human cost.

In a written statement, he urged Israel to limit civilian casualties, adding that it would alienate generations of Palestinians, erode global support and undermine long-term peace efforts.

“Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes,” Obama said.

“The Israeli government’s decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis,” he added.

He also condemned Hamas’ attack and reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

It was not immediately clear whether Obama coordinated his statement with Biden, who was his vice president. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.