Since yesterday (10 May) Palestinian
terrorist organizations in Gaza have been firing rockets at the capital city of
Israel Jerusalem, other cities across the country, and Israeli communities
along the border with Gaza. Since yesterday over 200 rockets have been fired
from Gaza at Israeli civilians. These events are part of a wave of terror that
is being led by the terrorist organization Hamas, the
Palestinian Authority,
and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and are the result of reckless and irresponsible
incitement to violence.The Palestinian terrorist
organizations committed
another war crime, launched an indiscriminate attack on a civilian population,
and assaulted the holiness of the city of Jerusalem.
Israel sought to achieve calm in
Jerusalem. We took every measure to prevent conflict or violence and to allow
freedom of worship. These measures include postponing the Supreme Court hearing
regarding Sheikh Jarrah, blocking Jews from visiting the Temple Mount, changing
the route of the Flag March, and then canceling the event. Moreover, Israel
acted in a measured manner in response to the rockets and incendiary balloons
that had been launched from the Gaza Strip, to prevent any escalation during
this sensitive period.
Complete responsibility for the
situation rests with the Palestinian terrorist organizations, and on the
unrestrained incitement by the Palestinian Authority.
We call on the international
community to condemn the rocket fire and Palestinian terrorism targeting
Israeli citizens in the strongest manner, as well as to support Israel's right
to self-defense.
No country will allow rockets to be
fired on its children, women, and men.
Israel will take any action necessary
to protect its citizens. It is the right and the duty of every state.