Israel Wants An End To Suffering

The possibility for reconciliation between Israel and Palestinians, based on two states living side by side in peace and security, suffered a serious setback when Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority from Gaza and re jected prior agreements regarding Israel's right to exist. No matter the root causes, we mourn the suffering and loss of life that is occurring on both sides in the present conflict.

For years, the constant barrage of rockets fired from Gaza into Israeli civilian communities went unchallenged. No other nation would have suffered literally thousands of indiscriminate attacks without responding. Israel repeatedly called on Hamas leaders to end this terrorism. Those calls tragically fell on deaf ears. For the sake of their people, Hamas leaders should have chosen the path of non-violence.

Israel has the moral right and responsibility to defend its citizens. It is reacting as any other nation under constant attack would react. Imagine if Detroit were attacked by Canada or San Antonio by Mexico with 50 rockets in 50 hours. The United States would act decisively to end the threat. A double standard should not be applied to Israel.

THE ISRAEL Defense Forces have taken every measure to avoid civilian casualties. Even Hamas has acknowledged that almost all of those who have lost their lives in Gaza have been militants or those placed in harm's way by Hamas' arsenals.

In August 2005, Israel disengaged from the entire Gaza Strip and turned the area over to the Palestinian Authority. At that point, Israel's civilian and military presence in Gaza ended completely. The so-called "occupation" was over. Despite Palestinian pledges that if Israel left Gaza, peace would follow, there has been no peace.

More than 6,300 rockets and mortars have been fired from Gaza into Israel. More than 3,000 were fired in 2008 alone. Instead of legitimate state-building in Gaza, Hamas (which wrested control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority in 2007) has used its resources, including international and humanitarian aid, to terrorize Israel's southern cities and towns. Sderot and Ashkelon have borne the brunt of this terror in almost daily missile attacks.

Despite repeated appeals of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, the leaders of Egypt and Jordan, and the international community, not to mention the Israeli government, Hamas has continued to fire rockets at the citizens of Israel. More tragically, Hamas has hidden its weapons centers, manufacturing facilities, ammunition bunkers, and rocket launchers in civilian neighborhoods in Gaza in violation of international law.

The Geneva Convention clearly states that if a missile launcher or weapons stockpile is placed among a civilian population, the responsibility for civilian casualties lies with the party that deliberately put civilians at risk.

WHEN INNOCENT civilians become victims it is a profound tragedy. Israel is committed to exercising its right of self-defense in as limited and responsible manner as possible. It is not attacking the Palestinian people; it is attacking Hamas' infrastructure and terrorist installations.

Israel has continued to supply fuel, food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza, despite Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians. During the past six months, Israel has facilitated more than 14,624 truckloads of humanitarian assistance including more than 185,000 tons of supplies and 39 million liters of fuel. There have been more than 4,130 medical evacuations.

On Sunday, Dec. 28 alone, Israelis shipped four truckloads of flour, three truckloads of medicine and medical equipment, and one truckload of heating gas. Israel facilitated the shipment of 15 more truckloads from the United Nations relief program, World Food Program, and the Red Cross. The next day another 38 truckloads were transferred at the Kerem Shalom Crossing, including more medicine, medical equipment, food, 1,000 units of blood, and 10 ambulances.

We are deeply concerned about the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians. We want peace and an end to suffering on both sides. Terrorists must lay down their weapons. Honest negotiations recognizing Israel's right to exist, and honoring a viable two-state solution should begin as soon as possible. Israel is committed to a two-state solution -- two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security. We pray that day will come soon.
James L. Weinberg is president of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Contact him at .