The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Condemns Hamas Missile Attacks on Israeli Civilians

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Over the last two days, more than a million civilians in southern Israel have been the target of over 80 missiles and mortars fired by the Hamas regime and other Palestinian terror groups in Gaza. At least three workers have been wounded on a farm in southern Israel.

In response to the escalation in attacks, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

"We vigorously condemn the ongoing, intensive targeting of Israeli civilians by Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza. This week's events are a stark demonstration of the core obstacle to peace. In 2005, Israel withdrew every last settlement from Gaza as a unilateral gesture that should have paved the way for a resolution to the conflict. Hamas has since answered with violence and unwavering rejection of the Jewish state's very existence.

"Every missile fired by Hamas not only threatens the lives of Israeli civilians, but ultimately endangers the people of Gaza and further delays the arrival of peace and a prosperous Palestinian state. It's time for Hamas to accept its responsibilities as set by the International Quartet starting with a renouncing of violence, and in so doing take a bold step to secure a positive future for the Palestinian people."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417
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