This summer we mark one year since Operation Protective Edge. While Israel and many other countries have invested efforts to help the people of Gaza, Hamas has invested funds to improve its military capabilities and to enhance its system of terror tunnels. Rather than seeking to help the people of Gaza, Hamas is busy preparing for confrontation with Israel.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for this attack. Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization committed to the destruction of Israel.  For years, it has held the Palestinian population hostage and uses Gaza as a launching pad to target Israeli civilians and soldiers.

While this time the terrorists were fortunately unsuccessful, their intention to kill Israelis is crystal clear. The continued failure by the international community to effectively address impunity for terror organizations such as Hamas encourages those intent on further attacks, and puts the stability of the region at risk.

This time, due to the fact that there is only one side that is responsible for the launch of these rockets, I hope that you will not use the usual “UN lingo” by calling on both sides to show restraint. This is a clear case of terrorists launching rockets against civilians.

I urge this Council to condemn these attacks, loudly and clearly, before the situation further escalates.