SAN FRANCISCO (VINnews)-Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr drew sharp criticism after accusing Israel of seeking “revenge” for the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and citing a death toll of 72,000 Palestinians in the ensuing Gaza war, comments that come as reports suggest growing internal discomfort within the organization over his political statements.

In a Sunday interview with The New Yorker, Kerr said: “Instead, Israel sought revenge for October 7th and now seventy-two thousand Palestinians have been killed and Israeli settlers are taking over the West Bank illegally, with the approval of Israel’s government and the U.S. Ambassador, Mike Huckabee. That’s not a path to any sort of peace or security for Israel or the rest of the Middle East.”

Kerr, whose father Malcolm Kerr was assassinated in Beirut in 1984 while serving as president of the American University of Beirut, expressed empathy for Palestinian civilians. He referenced the deaths of 175 girls in a bombed school and said, “Imagine being a parent of one of” them. “Their loss, their suffering … How are they going to feel about America? Violence begets violence.”

He added that Israel had an opportunity to pursue diplomacy that could have strengthened the Abraham Accords and isolated Iran.

Kerr has served as Warriors head coach since 2014 and led the team to four NBA championships, most recently in 2022. He is the franchise’s most successful coach by titles.

Kerr has coached the Warriors since 2014 and led the team to four NBA championships, the most recent four years ago. However, his critics argue that he benefited from a strong foundation built under his predecessor, Mark Jackson, and that some of the credit he receives is exaggerated. His supporters, by contrast, emphasize that he is the most decorated coach in franchise history and the man who led a historic basketball dynasty.Kerr has coached the Warriors since 2014 and led the team to four NBA championships, the most recent four years ago. However, his critics argue that he benefited from a strong foundation built under his predecessor, Mark Jackson, and that some of the credit he receives is exaggerated. His supporters, by contrast, emphasize that he is the most decorated coach in franchise history and the man who led a historic basketball dynasty.

Following the Warriors’ playoff elimination less than two weeks ago, Kerr said he would take time off before discussing his future with management and ownership. “I still love coaching, but I understand these jobs have an expiration date,” he said.

Reports indicate Kerr’s public positions on political and social issues have created tensions. ESPN’s Marc Spears said on a radio appearance that some in the organization may be “tired of his voice” or seeking to limit his public remarks on topics including social justice, racism and gun violence.

Nick Friedell of The Athletic, citing league and team sources, reported that Kerr’s “desire to speak candidly on social and political issues has at times caused internal frustration.”

Kerr has a history of commenting on major issues, including criticism of President Trump and advocacy for gun control.

No decision on Kerr’s future has been announced by the Warriors. The team has not publicly commented on the latest controversy.