“Israel deeply regrets every civilian casualty, every single one. We do not target them; we do not seek them. The people of Gaza are not our enemy.’’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a foreign media press conference Wednesday, on the second day of a 72-hour ceasefire, to sum up Operation Protective Edge.
The international media will have to answer for the intimidation by Hamas of journalists working in Gaza, which has produced a one-sided anti-Israel narrative in the mainstream press, World Jewish Congress (WJC) spokeswoman E.J. Kessler said Wednesday.
Netanyahu addresses the world amid negotiations for a long-term truce; says Hamas engaged in ‘child sacrifice;’ praises Kerry for supporting Gaza demilitarization.
An Israeli official says Israel will extend truce under current terms; Hamas officials say they will not extend cease-fire unless significant progress made in negotiations; threaten to resume rocket fire.
State prosecutors say Hussam Kawasme confessed not only to giving orders but to collecting weapons, getting funds from Hamas; two chief suspects still at large.
Haniyeh says that Israel cannot make political gains following its “failure” in the battlefield; Islamic Jihad says issue of disarming the Palestinian groups in Gaza will not be discussed during the indirect talks with Israel.