Terrorism Undermines Peace

23 March 2011

In recent days, there has been a marked and sudden escalation in terrorist activity connected to Hamas as well as to Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). Israel has suffered a large-scale mortar attack from Gaza, an attempt to smuggle advanced weapons to Gaza and a terrorist attack in the West Bank. These actions have not only taken the lives of innocent Israeli civilians, but also harm the prospects for a negotiated settlement.

Bombardment of Southern Israel:
Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades struck southern Israeli communities in a sustained bombardment Saturday morning (19 March). Hamas launched more than 50 mortars strikes at Israeli civilians, injuring two and causing extensive damage to several homes on a kibbutz. One shell landed on a kindergarten rooftop; fortunately, there were no casualties, but only because the kindergarten was closed due to the Jewish Sabbath.

Hamas’ return to openly declared wide-scale terror activity marks a turning point since the cessation of the Operation in Gaza in January 2009.

Arms Smuggling:
This attack came only days after a ship carrying tons of smuggled arms was intercepted by Israel (15 March) en route to Gaza. The ship's cargo contained not only a large number of mortar shells but also advanced weapons, including radar-guided anti-ship missiles. The ability of these technologically sophisticated missiles to strike at Israeli ships. These weapons, which originated in Iran, were destined for the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

Terrorist Massacre:
Terrorism has renewed itself in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) as well. A week ago Friday (11 March), a horrific massacre took place in Itamar. The Fogel family was attacked by terrorists as they slept, with the parents and three of their children killed, including a three-month-old baby girl, Hadas, who was stabbed to death.

This attack was the worst terrorist atrocity in years, and shocked the Israeli public to the core has been condemned by many world leaders. Israel cannot allow its families to be brutally slaughtered.

Incitement:
These terror attacks are inspired by the official incitement against Israel that continues to influence the minds of Palestinians. Immediately after the Fogel family was murdered, the Palestinian Authority named a square in a suburb of Ramallah after Dhalal Mughrabi, a woman terrorist responsible for the 1978 deaths of 35 Israelis, including 12 children

To the outside world, the Palestinian Authority speaks peace. Yet internally it fosters a culture of hate.

Israel’s Commitment to Peace:
Israel remains committed to the negotiating process. However, this terrorist activity serves to harm efforts for peace. Attacks such as the one in Itamar undermine the faith of the Israeli people in the future of peace with the Palestinians.

The international community should focus not only on the compromises it expects from the Israeli side but also on the Palestinian culture of terrorism, supported by constant incitement.

ENDS

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