The Canada-Israel Committee expresses sadness concerning the loss of innocent life in Gaza as a result of Israel's security operation directed against terror strongholds.

"We extend sincere condolences to the families of those who suffered casualties and look forward to the results of the Israeli government investigation into today's incident", said CIC Chair, Marc Gold.

"The continuing loss of innocent life on both sides underscores the urgent need for the emergence of a credible Palestinian leadership to join with Israel in seeking a peaceful resolution to the violence and conflict based on the 'Roadmap' blueprint ," concluded Gold.

Marc Gold, Chair
Canada-Israel Committee

Shimon Fogel, CEO
Canada-Israel Committee

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The operations currently being carried out in Gaza are an unfortunate necessity
For nearly four years Israelis have been the victims of an ongoing campaign of Palestinian terror, murdering more than 900 and injuring more than 6000.
A substantial portion of the weapons and munitions used to carry out these attacks have come via tunnels connecting the city of Rafah in Egypt to homes in Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Israel has no choice but to eliminate the clear and present danger that these tunnels pose. Our efforts to destroy the infrastructure of terror are supported within the constructs of international law and necessary for the protection of Israeli civilians.

Rafah has become Gaza's gateway to terror
Approximately 90 tunnels connected to residential houses in Rafah have been found and destroyed Since September 2000. The tunnels are used for smuggling weapons, drugs, goods, and even people into Gaza. Since January of last year dozens of rocket propelled grenades and launchers, hundreds of kilograms of explosives, hundreds of AK-47 rifles, and tens of thousands of bullets and cartridges have been smuggled into Gaza through private residences. The weapons smuggled through these tunnels have resulted in the brutal murder and maiming of thousands of Israeli civilians. As long as the Palestinian Authority refuses to comply with the Road Map's requirement to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, Israel has the moral obligation to do so in order to protect its citizens.

Both the Israeli Supreme Court and the Attorney General approved the recent operations in Rafah based on real security needs
Israel is making every effort possible to uphold the rights of Palestinians not involved in terrorism including free access to the Israeli legal system. Every house that is destroyed is done so only after it has been established that terror activities are being carried out there. Once a house is slated for removal, the owners are notified and have the right to appeal the Israeli Supreme Court against the order, and in some cases, have succeeded.

Israel is interested in peace embodied in a negotiated two-state framework
Prime Minister Sharon has initiated a unilateral disengagement plan that works in tandem with the Road Map. When Israel implements this plan it is crucial that Gaza will not be left in the hands of terrorists; doing so would be detrimental to Israel as well as to every Palestinian serious about reaching a negotiated settlement. Those who are responsible for the smuggling of weapons into Gaza are not interested in this solution and must be stopped. Peace will only come when the Palestinian leadership makes a sincere effort to thwart terror.

Additional Resources:

Weapons Smuggling Tunnels in Rafah

BBC News: In pictures: Searching for Gaza's tunnels