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

B’nai B’rith International continues to be steadfast in its support for Israel as it continues Operation Protective Edge and launches ground operations into Gaza. The decision to launch a ground incursion into Gaza—targeting tunnels leading into Israel and other terrorist infrastructure—comes after Hamas refused an Egyptian attempt at securing a ceasefire between the two sides on July 15. 

Even though Hamas agreed to a five-hour humanitarian ceasefire—first agreed to by Israel—on July 17, it adamantly refused the opportunity to extend it, by firing more than 50 rockets into Israel immediately thereafter.

Hamas decided it is more interested in continuing to stream rockets indiscriminately into the Jewish state rather than entering into a more permanent ceasefire, and, at the same time, is demonstrating its utter disregard for its own population. 

Since July 8, nearly 1,500 rockets have been fired at Israel. No other country in the world would sit idly while its civilians are under attack, and neither will Israel.