What Gives Israel the Right to Defend Itself?

It’s important to understand what Hamas stands for.

Hamas defines itself as being in a continuous state of war with Israel. The group refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist. Hamas’ charter states:

“Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.”

Hamas’ so-called spiritual leaders provide religious justification for unimaginable depravity. In their sermons, they consistently incite their followers to hate Israel and Jews.

“…our mantle is ‘Death to the Jews and to America.’”
Friday Sermon on Hamas TV, December 2, 2011

“The annihilation of the Jews here in Palestine is one of the most splendid blessings for Palestine.” – Muhsen Abu ‘Ita, July 13, 2008

Hamas’ political leaders proudly emphasize their desire to destroy Israel.

“The Hamas movement will lead Intifada after Intifada until we liberate Palestine – all of Palestine, Allah willing.” – Ismail Haniyeh, Decmber 14, 2011

Hamas is a terrorist organization, and it’s not just the government of Israel that says so. The European Union, the United States, Canada, and Japan also classify Hamas as a terrorist group.

It’s easy to see why. Hamas’ suicide bombers have murdered hundreds of men, women and children in hotels, buses, nightclubs and restaurants.

Operation Pillar of Defense

Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza have fired more than 12,000 rockets into Israel in the past 12 years.

In response to these incessant rocket attacks, which accelerated in recent days, the IDF has launched a widespread campaign against terror targets in Gaza. The operation, called Pillar of Defense, has two main goals: to protect Israeli civilians and to cripple the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations…” – U.N. Charter, Article 51

In accordance with the instructions given to it by the government of Israel, the IDF will continue to act to ensure the safety of all Israeli citizens. It’s our right.

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Protective Structure Used to Defend Civilians from Sniping to be Dismantled Due to Stability in Area, 12 Aug 2010