Palestinian demonstrators run for cover from Israeli fire and tear gas during a protest against U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem and ahead of the 70th anniversary of Nakba, at the Israel-Gaza border in the southern Gaza Strip, May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/File photo The White House is standing by Israel as the Jewish state defends its border from the Hamas-led violent riots at the Israel-Gaza border.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah told reporters on May 14, “We believe that Hamas as an organization is engaged in cynical action that is leading to these deaths. The responsibility for these tragic deaths rests squarely with Hamas.”
Shah also stated that Israel should be able to defend itself, just like any other country.
The Hamas-led riots, which have occurred every Friday for the past six weeks, are reaching their apex on May 14 and 15 as the United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.
The May 14 riots have resulted in 55 Palestinians dead – at least 10 of whom have been identified as Hamas terrorists – and over 2,000 Palestinians injured.
Israel dropped leaflets warning Palestinians that they would be shot if they came within 300 feet of the fence and were armed. And yet, tens of thousands of Palestinians tossed rocks, burning tires and explosives at Israeli soldiers as well as flew fiery kites toward the Israeli border. The Israeli military even had to launch airstrikes against Hamas outposts in Gaza where terrorists were firing at Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldiers.
Here are some scenes from the riots:
How would you feel if that one mile was from YOUR home? pic.twitter.com/7qd6Qu55zl
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 14, 2018
A short while ago, 3 terrorists attempted to place an explosive device near the security fence in Rafah, under the cover of violent riots. In response, the IDF fired at the terrorists, who were killed pic.twitter.com/LFRRyfHDzl
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 14, 2018
In addition, IAF aircraft targeted Hamas military posts near the Jabalia area after IDF troops were fired upon from the northern Gaza Strip. No IDF soldiers were injured in the incident pic.twitter.com/EWHOAOzZcA
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 14, 2018
In addition, earlier today, an IDF aircraft & tank targeted two additional Hamas positions in northern Gaza. These strikes were conducted in response to Hamas’s firing on IDF troops in northern Gaza pic.twitter.com/WeJHn2ZHdb
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 14, 2018
During today's violent riots, Palestinians once again set fire to the Kerem Shalom Crossing pic.twitter.com/rn70IMEB54
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 14, 2018
Read this: no fewer than 10 explosive devices targeting Israelis were detonated during today's violent Hamas-led riots at the Gaza-Israel border; gunfire was reported on at least 3 occasions; 17 kites carrying firebombs were dispatched into Israel, igniting 23 fires. (Channel 20) pic.twitter.com/KTwj5XlG8l
— Avi Mayer (@AviMayer) May 14, 2018
It’s also worth noting that Hamas is providing $100 to each family that engages in the border riots and is threatening any families that don’t engage in the riots to be smeared as “collaborators” with Israel. The riots are also being funded by Iran, an ally of Hamas, and being encouraged by the Palestinian Authority. The IDF is concerned that the border riots are part of a Hamas plot to breach the border fence and launch terror attacks against Israel.
“Every country has the obligation to protect its borders,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “The Hamas terrorist organization declares its intentions to destroy Israel and sends thousands to break through the border fence for that purpose.”
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