Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama on Wednesday voiced criticism of former President Jimmy Carter's meeting with Hamas. Obama told a group of Jewish leaders in Pennsylvania that he has an "unshakable commitment" to help protect Israel from its "bitter enemies."

"That's why I have a fundamental difference with President Carter and disagree with his decision to meet with Hamas," Obama said. "We must not negotiate with a terrorist group intent on Israel's destruction. We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist and abide by past agreements," he added.

The statement marks a reversal of Obama's previous position on the matter of Carter's Hamas visit. Obama had said, before: "I'm not going to comment on former President Carter. He's a private citizen. It's not my place to discuss who he shouldn't meet with."