NEW YORK (Press Release)– The Jewish Council for Public Affairs expressed grave alarm at reports that Hamas had planned a massive attack via tunnels burrowed deep into Israeli territory, and expressed support for Israeli efforts to destroy the network of tunnels.
“The news that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed to his cabinet yesterday (Thursday, July 24) that Hamas planned to use dozens of tunnels to launch a massive surprise attack on Israeli civilians is a game changer,” said JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow. “While we appreciate the continued efforts of the U.S. administration to broker a cease fire, we also recognize the need of the Israeli government to protect Israeli citizens from attacks via these tunnels.”
“Had Hamas been able to complete its plan and kill large numbers of innocent civilians using these terror tunnels, possibly kidnapping others – it would have had a devastating impact on any future prospect for peace,” added JCPA Chair Susan Turnbull. ”
The vision of two states living in peace demands a demilitarized Gaza, a dismantling of the terrorist infrastructure and the destruction of these tunnels. We are encouraged by the announced short 12-hour cease fire for humanitarian relief and hope that the cease fire proposed by Secretary Kerry can be revised to better protect Israeli citizens so that we may soon set on a course toward a peaceful resolution of this tragic conflict.”
*
Preceding provided by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs