President Shimon Peres issued a special statement about the Israel Defense Forces strikes against Hamas in Gaza.
Peres said, "It is the first time in the history of Israel that we, the Israelis, cannot understand the motives or the purposes of the ones who are shooting at us. It is the most unreasonable war, done by the most unreasonable warriors."
The president explained that Israel voluntarily left Gaza completely, spending $2.5 billion. Afterwards, he said, Israel suggested aid in many ways economically, medically, and otherwise. Now, he said, "I have not heard until now a single person who could explain to us reasonably: why are they firing rockets against Israel? What are the reasons? What is the purpose?
"The army waited and waited; the Palestinians asked for a ceasefire, and we agreed. They themselves have violated the ceasefire. Again, we didn't know why, until it came to a point where we were left without a choice but to bring an end to it. The operation was planned carefully and the army was true to its principles: namely, to be precise in its targets and careful not to hit civilian life. There is a problem because many of the bombs were stored in private houses. We have contacted the owners of the houses; the people that dwell there, and told them leave it. You can't live with bombs. We have to bring an end to the source of the bombs.
"The great winner can be reason, and reason will lead to peace. We are very serious, in a serious mood. Many of our children are still in the shelters, and we would like them, like the children of Gaza, to breathe fresh air again. This is the story, and whoever asks us to stop shooting - they have to change the address. Let them turn to Hamas and ask them to stop shooting, and there won't be shooting. Thank you very much."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 28, 2008
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