B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith welcomes the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. We hope that the message to Hamas is clear—the rocket attacks into Israel cannot continue. 

Since Hamas instigated this latest confrontation through a relentless barrage of rocket attacks into Israel, there has been widespread international condemnation of the terrorist group.

Announcing the cease-fire, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The people of this region deserve the chance to be free of fear and violence and today’s agreement is a step in the right direction that we should build on.” Clinton also called for the end of Hamas rocket attacks and said she hoped to see a “broader calm.” 

Israel cannot be expected to endure Hamas rocket attacks every few weeks or months. The Jewish state exhibited utmost restrain as it endured 700 rockets fired upon its people. When it finally launched a defensive campaign, Operation Pillar of Defense, the Israel Defense Forces successfully carried out targeted attacks against Hamas operatives.

Israel rightfully wants and deserves a permanent period of peace and calm.