Popovich heartbroken over suffering in Middle East war
PHOENIX — Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is hopeful leaders will emerge who can broker peace and find a longsought solution to the Israel-palestinian conflict that has caused so much suffering on both sides for decades.
The current Israelhamas war ranks as the bloodiest and most destructive in the long history of the bitter enemies.
“Our hearts break when we see the horrors committed by Hamas, and we feel the same when we see the bombs falling, killing children and civilians in Palestine,” Popovich said.
“…At some point, the circle has to stop, and someone has to have the integrity and courage to say, ‘We start from here.' ”
President Joe Biden last week told reporters he is hopeful a lasting peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, one that would include a two-state solution that would create a sovereign Palestinian nation alongside the state of Israel, would emerge from the latest bloodshed.
“I wish there were leaders who could gather a group of people, tell them they're not leaving until they figure it out,” Popovich said. “It sounds simplistic, but someone has to have the courage, and I don't see it.”
Popovich's comments came during a recent conference call with international reporters arranged by the NBA.
While most of that media session centered on Spurs rookie star Victor Wembanyama, one reporter asked Popovich if he has followed the war, which began with Hamas' massacre of more than 1,400 people across southern Israel in a sneak attack on Oct. 7.
Since then, Israel has relentlessly pounded the Gaza Strip with airstrikes that have destroyed entire neighborhoods. According to the Associated Press, more than 8,900 Palestinians have died in Gaza and the West Bank while thousands more have been injured and displaced.
“Of course, I follow what's going on there,” said Popovich, who was in Phoenix this week for two games against the Suns and often discusses current events with his players.
“It's much more important than basketball,” Popovich added. “Anyone with a brain or a heart should understand that. Whether we're talking about Ukraine, Yemen, Israel, or Palestine, it's tragic and confusing. We all wish we had an answer. Many people have tried to solve the problem, specifically regarding Palestine, for decades, but it hasn't happened. However, talking about it is important because if we don't, it goes away. It gets ignored. So, the more it is discussed, the better.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated the war could be “long and difficult” even as Biden has called on Israeli and Arab leaders to think hard about the eventual postwar reality. “We know there are people trying to figure this out,” Popovich said. “Should there be a ceasefire? Shouldn't there be? How do we move forward? Is a military solution the answer? We hope to find leadership somehow. Because that's the one thing I think is always lacking. Can't there be men or women who can sit down, let go of the greedy, power-hungry perceptions, arguments, fights and histories that everyone has and continues to employ?
“… Somehow, the past has to be put away because every time it's brought up, decisions can't be made. People become locked in their own worlds, and more children are killed. It's hard for me to understand those who are so adamant about their positions. They have children. They have grandchildren. Isn't that the point?”