Hamas
The defense and security establishment believes deterrence has been restored, but not fully, and that if no political understandings are reached it is only a matter of time until the next escalation.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry initially blamed Israel for the deaths, and the news spread quickly, fueling accusations of Israeli brutality and lack of respect for human rights.
Saudi journalists and intellectuals accuse Hamas of acting on behalf of Iran in retaliation for tightened U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
“Whether journalists believe the IDF’s statements or not, the media have a duty to report the story fully,” said Simon Plosker, managing editor for HonestReporting. “Telling one side alone is willfully naive at best, and a worrying betrayal of the truth at worst.”
Once Israeli deterrence is restored, said Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz, the second objective should be to “initiate a diplomatic-political process that will harness external powers to this place, and create a situation in which the gaps between the rounds of fighting increase.”
Economy and Industry Minister Eli Cohen announced that workers and business owners in areas affected by the bombing are eligible for financial assistance, including compensation.
“I don’t understand why this is happening, but I am sure that you have fulfilled your purpose on this earth,” says Haim Dov Pashwazman, the father of Pinchas Menahem Pashwazman.
“The international community must understand that Hamas is responsible for hiding behind Gazans to carry out its terror attacks. Hamas leaders hide while using their own population as human shields,” said B’nai B’rith International president Charles Kaufman and CEO Daniel Mariaschin.
“The IDF concept of using accurate intelligence for pinpoint airstrikes has proven deficient. A land incursion may be needed to convince Israel’s enemies that we are ready to pay a price in casualties in order to secure the well-being of our citizens,” said Efraim Inbar, president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.
More than 600 rockets have been fired towards Israel from the Gaza Strip, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Moshe Agadi, a 58-year-old father of four, failed to reach his house’s safe room in time and was struck by shrapnel.
“We call on those responsible for the violence to cease this aggression immediately,” said State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.
