Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended a recent airstrike against Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip, killing 15 and wounding several more.
The airstrikes were carried out in response to a flurry of rockets that were launched from Gaza into Israeli territory. Netanyahu said that the Israeli government had no other choice but to respond to the attacks.
In a statement, Netanyahu said that Israel is committed to peace but not at the cost of its security. He reiterated that Israel would continue to defend itself with “force and determination” and that no sovereign nation could allow its citizens to be targeted by rocket fire.
In addition, Netanyahu stated that the airstrikes were only targeting terrorist operatives who were planning and preparing for attacks on Israel. He stressed that the Israeli army does not target civilians and is committed to protecting human life on both sides of the border.
The Prime Minister also noted that Hamas has been trying to provoke Israel into a conflict by launching rockets and sending incendiary devices across the border. He also stated that Hamas’s weaponization of civilians is “unacceptable” and that their actions are a clear violation of international law.
The airstrikes have been condemned by numerous countries and human rights groups. They have accused the Israeli government of using disproportionate force and of contributing to a cycle of violence that will not lead to peace or stability. The Israeli government has rejected these accusations, insisting that it was forced to act and was acting in self-defense.
Israel faces intense pressure from many countries to de-escalate the situation in Gaza. They are calling for an immediate ceasefire and for the reopening of the crossings into the Strip to allow for humanitarian aid.
The Israeli Prime Minister has made it clear that his government is committed to defending its citizens from the threat of terrorism. He has also indicated that Israel will continue to take whatever measures are necessary to maintain its security and protect its citizens from harm.