1. The IDF will continue to strike at Hamas.
· The Israeli army and the Israeli government are resolved to continue to strike at the Hamas terror infrastructure, which, although damaged, still has the ability to launch rockets and harm Israeli citizens. We are determined to create a better, more secure reality that will ensure the safety of the Israeli population in southern Israel over the long term.
- Our fight is against Hamas, not against the population in the Gaza Strip.
- Israel is allowing the transfer of humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip, including aid from various countries (Egypt, Turkey, Jordan) and international organizations (UNRWA, the World Food Programme, Red Cross, etc.). The deliveries are coordinated with Israel. In the last few days, more than 200 trucks carrying food, medicines and medical supplies, including units of blood, have been delivered.
- Israel intends to maintain its humanitarian policy even as the fighting continues.
- The IDF conducts precision operations against the Hamas terror infrastructure and avoids harming the innocent. Hamas, however, uses their civilian population as human shields, cynically placing its military headquarters and terrorist facilities in civilian structures such as private homes, basements of houses inhabited by families with children, schools and other public buildings.
- The Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip has been abandoned by the Hamas leadership
- The Hamas leaders have gone underground, looking out for themselves and abandoning the population to its fate. The government is not functioning, but Hamas operatives are still able to conduct terrorist attacks. As long as Hamas continues the terrorism, the population in the Gaza Strip will suffer.
- The gap between Hamas and the Gazan people has grown. Many of the people no longer support Hamas. After years of suffering under the terrorist regime, they are interested in an end to the terrorism emanating from their midst and holding them hostage.
Questions and Answers
Q: Will the operation be expanded to a ground offensive?
A: The IDF uses its strength and resources after careful assessment of the situation, taking into account operational needs. The objective is to create a more secure reality over the long term, and Israel will take the necessary and relevant steps to achieve it.
Q: Is it time to go over to diplomacy? Should Israel stop now and allow international diplomacy to come into play? Should we voluntarily cease firing for a limited period of time in order to provide an opportunity for diplomatic contacts?
A: Israel initiated a military operation after eight years of restraint, eight years in which Israelis living in the southern part of the country suffered terrorist attacks, rockets and mortar bombs, on an almost daily basis. The military operation’s objective is to create a different security policy, one that will be better for the southern Israel. At the moment, Israel is not planning its “exit strategy” but rather concentrating on achieving its goals.
Q: Does the military operation endanger Gilad Shalit? What are the chances of obtaining his release? Did Israel take this into account?
A: Israel continues to hold Hamas, and Hamas alone, responsible for the safety of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Even before the military operation began, we knew that Hamas would try to use this sensitive and painful subject to threaten us. We will not be influenced by rumors and manipulations.
Q: Has Israel succeeded in striking a significant blow to the terror infrastructures? And, if so, how can they continue to fire so many missiles and to hit such extensive territory in the Negev?
A: Hamas used the six months of calm to build up its strength, develop and produce weapons, and train terrorist operatives, preparing for the period after the calm. The targets struck by the IAF show just how prepared the Hamas terror apparatus was and how deeply entrenched, while using the civilian population as human shields. We have struck a serious blow at the terrorists and their infrastructures, but they still have the capability to harm Israeli citizens and to increase the amount and range of their strikes. We expected this to happen and instructed the population concerning shelter and the appropriate procedures to follow. We are prepared and will continue to prepare.
Q: Israel’s air strikes seem to cause a great deal of destruction to the other side and the number of uninvolved casualties is rising. Yesterday, pictures were broadcast around the world showing a Palestinian mother whose five daughters were buried under the rubble of a bombed building.
A: The Israel Air Force uses its operational power in a carefully considered way against its targets – Hamas terrorists, arms stores, weapons factories, terrorist headquarters, etc. Hamas, which uses the civilian population as human shields, cynically places its military facilities in civilian structures such as private homes, basements of houses inhabited by families with children, schools, colleges and universities, mosques and other public buildings. The location of arms and materiel in the midst of the civilian population results in serious and extensive harm to the uninvolved population. We warned the Gaza residents that every site of terrorist activity is a target. The sole responsibility for the ongoing harm done to the Palestinian population lies with Hamas.
