Just over one week ago, the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations informed the Security Council of the Palestinian leadership's dangerous plan to orchestrate a series of mass confrontations along the security fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel between 30 March and 15 May 2018. The Palestinian leadership had insisted these demonstrations are peaceful, but this past Friday, the world witnessed them turn violent as Hamas and its affiliates exploited women and children as human shields and sent armed terrorists to battle. Nevertheless, our security forces acted judiciously, and a vast majority of those killed were terrorists who have been identified as members of Hamas.

Last Friday's demonstrations proved that Hamas' provocative activities were premeditated and will continue. The terror organization's social media channels are calling for rioters to prepare Molotov cocktails, collect tires for burning, and instigate sniper fire on IDF soldiers. Israel will continue to take great caution to protect the lives of civilians, operating in strict accordance with our rules of engagement. We cannot, however, permit mass infiltrations and breaches of our sovereignty. It is imperative that the Security Council sends a clear message to the Palestinian leadership insisting that it put an end to these riots that only serve to sow violence and instability.

I remind the Council that Israel has withdrawn completely from the Gaza Strip as of 2005 and has no civilian or military presence in this territory. Israel maintains the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens and condemns the Palestinian leadership's dangerous efforts to inflame tensions and instigate​ violence.

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. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.