Page 2 - CUFI Update - Spring 2018

Defend
Israel
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Swastika at Hamas protest
Three “peaceful protestors” killed during violent riots
kites, laden with petrol bombs across the border. It was quite odd to see terrorist propaganda, similar to ISIS-style videos, with Hamas terrorists, faces covered, talking to the camera as other terrorists constructed kites in the background. But nonetheless these kites have caused some damage to Israeli fields and damage to an Israeli business.
The media and some politicians are claiming that Israel is indiscriminately firing live ammunition into crowds of peaceful protesters. This is not the case. When Hamas forced a 7-year-old girl across the border during these protests, Israel did the right thing by showing the girl love and compassion and returning her to her family.
It is true that whilst Israel has been rightfully defending herself, there have been innocent people caught in the crossfire. However, of the 40 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces, 32 of those men have been identified as active members of Palestinian terrorist groups. To clarify, 80% of those Palestinians killed were members of terrorist groups.
Most of the identifications were made by Hamas or other terrorist groups within the Gaza strip. They are proudly promoting the deaths of these “martyrs” as “heroes” to their own people, whilst telling media outlets and Western politicians that they are “innocent civilians”.
Unfortunately, Hamas profits from the deaths of its people. The world is quick to condemn Israel yet turns a blind eye to this evil. More than that, our media is acting irresponsibility by covering the propaganda of the terrorists.
Let’s be clear. This is not a peaceful protest - it is an act of aggression against Israel.
When a Palestinian father drags his toddler to the front lines of a conflict, putting his life in danger, human rights groups should be condemning Hamas. When a terrorist is throwing petrol bombs at Israeli forces whilst he is closely
surrounded by journalists, Hamas should be condemned. And when Palestinians use the symbol of the Nazi swastika to taunt Israeli troops, we should all take note that it may be a di erent enemy that Israel faces, but it is the same hate.
The current violence was originally part of a six week campaign, but Hamas has extended it to continue throughout Ramadan, which begins this month, with the possibility that it will spread to other parts of Israel and could even spark wider conflict regionally.
The first responsibility of Israel, as any sovereign state, is to keep its people safe and defend its borders. In order to de-escalate the Hamas violence, the UK must condemn the terrorists’ reckless endangerment of its own civilians and others. Failing to condemn Hamas’ agenda will only lead to more bloodshed on all sides.
In response to the protests, CUFI UK launched the campaign “Operation Defend Israel” to urge MPs and the UK Foreign O ice to stand with Israel against Hamas terror.
Thankfully, we have seen some positive responses with Britain at the UN refusing to condemn Israel. Unfortunately, the UK’s opposition party leadership condemned Israel and defended the actions of the violent protesters. This is why it is so important to contact our politicians and make our voices heard.
If you have not already done so, please act now by going to www.cufi.org.uk/defendisrael
It only takes a few moments to contact your MP using our automated form. The letter is also copied to the Foreign Secretary.
The letter includes an appreciation that the UK joined the US in refusing to agree to an anti-Israel resolution at the UN and asks MPs to attend all debates on this issue, to condemned the actions of Hamas and give their full support to Israel to defend its borders and its people.