Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has recently used his platform to defend the country’s airstrike in Gaza which killed two high ranking operatives from Hamas. The President claims that the attack was in response to the continuous barrage of rockets that have been launched from the region.
The rocket attack on Israeli residential neighborhoods began on Monday with more than 200 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Several of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, but some managed to reach and cause damage in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Beersheba and other cities in Israel.
President Rivlin took to social media to express his support for the Israeli military’s action in Gaza. In a post, he said: “Our country is facing an ongoing barrage of rockets all around us, and we must defend ourselves. We are fighting terror, not people.”
He also emphasized that Israeli forces are targeting only those operatives and weapons related to Hamas. His comments are in stark contrast to claims made by the international community that the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have been disproportionate.
The president also warned that the violence could escalate if action isn’t taken to maintain peace and security in the region. He said: “We have no choice but to do everything possible to end this conflict, and to ensure a safe and secure future for our people in the region.”
Rivlin’s comments come as the death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has risen to six, with more than 75 injured and thousands of homes destroyed. Hamas has continued to fire rockets into Israel and has rejected ceasefire proposals from the United Nations.
The conflict is a longstanding source of tension between the two sides and has triggered revulsion from the international community. Israel has long accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields and disregarding human life in its pursuit of its political ambition.
Israel has taken steps to protect its citizens, but ultimately, it cannot solve this problem alone. With a renewed commitment from both sides and international support, a lasting peace can be achieved in the region.