This morning, southern Israel was again struck by rockets, the latest volley in an endless assault on innocent civilians. In response to these ceaseless attacks, the State of Israel has initiated a measured military response named "Pillar of Defense" aimed at restoring peace to its borders. The targets of the Israeli operation are all military. Israel will make every effort to prevent harm to the civilian population of Gaza, and regrets any potential injury to civilians.
A defensive operation was carried out today in which Hamas military commander, Ahmed Jabari was killed and numerous rocket launching sites were destroyed. Ahmed Jabari was responsible for numerous rocket attacks on southern Israel, as well as the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and the attempted kidnapping of other IDF personnel. These measures were taken in a precise and surgical manner, with a clear focus on the intended targets. Israel ended its military and civilian presence in Gaza in 2005 and Hamas now rules Gaza and bears full responsibility for the attacks launched at Israel from this territory. In addition, it has become a breeding ground for terrorist groups to organize and operate, including groups associated with al-Qaeda and Global Jihad. All this under the rule, responsibility and sponsorship of Hamas.
Since the beginning of 2012, over 800 separate rockets have been launched at Israel's southern communities, endangering and traumatizing a population of one million civilians. This number of rockets represents a steep escalation to pre-2008 levels by the terrorist organizations operating out of Gaza. Instead of using Israel's unilateral withdrawal as an opportunity to build Gaza into a thriving base for peaceful Palestinian national self-fulfilment, Hamas has turned Gaza into a base for an ongoing terrorist assault on innocent Israeli civilians.
Israel is watching closely to see how Hamas reacts to today's events and is fully prepared to respond to any future threats from the Gaza Strip and to take defensive measures to protect its population. Israel has demonstrated great restraint for a long period but cannot stand for the recurring attacks on its citizens. No other state would accept a similar reality.
Israel is acting in self-defense and out of its duty to protect its civilians from terrorist attacks. The border crossings from Israel to the Gaza Strip remain open, allowing for the routine passage of goods and humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, the international community must act to stop the attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip and should not wait for an Israeli reaction to act. Time and again, Israel has warned that it would not tolerate these attacks.
Dr. Andy David
Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest