NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress is calling on the United Nations Security Council to take collective action against Hamas over its rocket fire against Israel, and to issue a clear and decisive statement demanding it cease its attacks and its use of civilian areas to carry out its acts of terror.
In a letter addressed to the members of the UNSC on Tuesday, following the announcement of a cease-fire, WJC CEO Robert Singer wrote:
“The World Jewish Congress, the international umbrella organization representing Jewish communities in more than 100 countries, calls on the United Nations Security Council, as the international body responsible for maintaining peace and security, to take collective action against Hamas over its indiscriminate attacks against Israeli civilians.
“We urge the members of this Council to issue a clear and decisive statement demanding that Hamas ceases its attacks on Israel and halts its use of civilian areas in Gaza to attack civilians in Israel. We call on the Council to recognize Hamas as the terrorist organization that it is, whose charter includes the destruction of the State of Israel, and whose mission it is to terrify Israeli citizens and inflict maximum damages on both people and property. We also call on the Council to recognize the responsibility of Hamas, as controllers of the Gaza Strip, for the escalation of violence along the border.
“Over the last 48 hours, Hamas terrorists have fired more than 400 rockets at southern Israel, intentionally and unscrupulously targeting civilians. Historically, even following agreements for a cease-fire, Hamas has continued to terrorize Israelis, leaving more than a million civilians hiding in shelters in fear.
“It should be underscored here that the IDF was operating against key strategic Hamas targets, including military compounds, rocket-launching positions, and a vast network of tunnels used for mobilizing militants and weapons to attack Israel.
“Hamas, in turn, is deliberately using civilian areas in Gaza to launch its attacks against Israel, thereby also intentionally endangering its own population.
“It is incumbent upon the international community, particularly the members of the UN Security Council, to speak out against these atrocities and violations of human rights and do everything in their power to bring a justified solution to this conflict. Hamas and Israel have engaged in far too many wars over the last decade – we know the price such a conflict can incur.”