H.E. Mr. Gert Rosenthal
President of the Security Council
United Nations
New York

Excellency, 
 
As I write this letter, Hamas terrorists are firing deadly rockets into the heart of Southern Israel. In just the past day, more than 70 rockets have been launched into Israeli cities and communities. Every hour, the count continues to rise and the damage to life and property continues to grow. Life is paralyzed for one million Israelis. Parents cannot go to work - and children are not going to school.
 
Hamas deliberately provoked this escalation. Yesterday, it detonated a bomb on Israel's border with Gaza, severely injuring an Israeli officer. It is time for the world to take note: Hamas is determined to murder Israelis and escalate conflict in our already very turbulent region.
 
Let me be clear. If the international community does not send a strong signal today, there could be tragic consequences tomorrow.
 
I call on you - and all other Security Council members - to condemn Hamas terrorism without any equivocation or delay. Hamas and other terrorists in our region will interpret the silence of the Security Council as a green light for terror and provocation.
 
Israel holds Hamas fully responsible for the terrorism that continues to flow from Gaza.  In response to these terrorist attacks, Israel has exercised - and will continue to exercise - its right to self-defense, as appropriate, and will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens.
 
I should be grateful if you would have this letter distributed as an official document of the Security Council. I wish to inform you that an identical letter has been sent to H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
 
Allow me, Excellency, to renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration.
 
Yours truly,
 
            [Signed]
 
Ron Prosor
Ambassador
Permanent Representative