Mideast situation/Rocket attacks from Gaza – Letter from Israel

Identical letters dated 28 October 2013 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council 

 Once again Israeli citizens came under attack when, early this morning, two rockets were fired from Gaza targeting the towns and cities of southern Israel. Three and a half million Israelis live under the constant threat of these attacks. 

 The attack took place just hours after the Israeli Government approved the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the peace process. Israel made the difficult decision to release convicted murderers and, in exchange, is being repaid with rockets targeting its citizens. 

 Instead of demonstrating a commitment to bettering the life of the Palestinian people, Hamas has shown its unwavering commitment to terrorism. Just a few weeks ago, the Israel Defense Forces discovered a 2 km tunnel originating in Gaza and ending just outside an Israeli community — not far from homes, kindergartens and playgrounds. The tunnel was built by Hamas using 500 tons of cement that had been earmarked for construction. Israel provides goods and goodwill and is repaid with tunnels of terror. 

 After seven years of silence and in the midst of a volatile peace process, I call upon the Council to unanimously condemn the rockets fired from Gaza, as well as the ongoing acts of terrorism. A condemnation from this Council would be a show of support for the pragmatic elements who want to achieve peace. 

 I should be grateful if you would have this letter distributed as a document of the Security Council.

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