Board of Deputies reacts to violent scenes and loss of life at Israel-Gaza border

Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush and President-Elect Marie van der Zyl have reacted to the violence at the Israel-Gaza border

They said: “We are profoundly anguished at the violent scenes and loss of life at the Israel-Gaza border.

“No state could allow its borders to be breached by those who openly wish harm to its civilians.  Israel is defending its people from repeated violent attempts at mass invasion.

“The responsibility for the violence lies with Hamas, a terrorist organisation with the explicit stated aim of murdering Israeli civilians and the ultimate destruction of the State of Israel.

“Hamas is cynical in the use of its population – including children – to join known terrorists in violent attempts to break through the border and kill Israeli citizens.

“We call on Hamas to turn instead to a path of peace with Israel that could bring an end to the tragic conflict and offer a better future for all Palestinians and Israelis alike.”