Obama 'deeply concerned' about Gaza conflict

US president-elect Barack Obama said he is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza, but continued to refrain from giving his comment on this issue any further.
    
"Obviously, I am deeply concerned about the conflict that's taking place there (Gaza)," Obama told reporters in response to a question.
    
Ever since Obama landed in Washington over the weekend, reporters have been asking him questions on Gaza, which he had so far been refusing to answer by saying that when it comes to foreign policy issues it is important to adhere to the policy of only one president at a time.
    
"Obviously, I am deeply concerned about the conflict that's taking place there. I'm being fully briefed and monitored -- monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis. The loss of civilian life in Gaza and in Israel is a source of deep concern for me," Obama said.
    
However, he promised to say a lot on this issue after the January 20 inaugural.
    
"After January 20th, I am going to have plenty to say about the issue. And I am not backing away at all from what I said during the campaign, that I -- starting at the beginning of our administration, we are going to engage effectively and consistently in trying to resolve the conflicts that exist in the Middle East," Obama said.
    
"That's something that I'm committed to. I think it's not only right for the people in that region; most importantly, it's right for the national security of the American people and the stability that is so important to this country," he said.