“Hamas acts against the interests of Gaza residents and worsens their situation for its own purposes,” the IDF stated.
By: United with Israel Staff
Palestinians on Friday rioted for the sixth consecutive week on the Gaza border, burning tires, throwing explosive devices at IDF forces securing the border, flying burning kites, and attempting to damage the security fence in order to infiltrate Israel.
While the turnout at this week’s riots was low, with only 1,000 participants, the violence escalated as Palestinian rioters vandalized and set fire to the depot and pipes that carry fuel and gas from Israel into the Gaza Strip, and ransacked several of the border crossings through which humanitarian aid from Israel and the international community is supposed to flow to Gaza residents.
The rioters burned offices, buildings, and gas tanks, and damaged the fences.
In a statement, the IDF noted that dozens of trucks carrying merchandise and equipment have entered the Gaza Strip on a daily basis for years, as well as fuel that has been transferred for its residents’ use.
“Hamas thereby acts against the interests of Gaza residents and worsens their situation for its own purposes,” the IDF stated. “Hamas’ actions not only endanger Israeli civilians, but also the people of Gaza.”
Hamas’ Cynical Use of the Riots
The IDF also underscored Hamas’ cynical use of the riots as a cover for terror attacks.
During the violence led by Hamas, “rioters can be seen faking injuries, [with] the exploitation of women and children rampant. This is intended to disguise Hamas’ terror activities, including hurling explosive devices and grenades, attempted infiltration into Israeli territory, and burning of Israeli land,” the IDF stated.
“The Hamas terror organization repeatedly tries to hamper the IDF’s defensive actions while [misrepresenting their actions] in front of the international [community],” the IDF charged.
The IDF vowed to continue to “fulfill its task to protect and defend the State of Israel, its sovereignty and citizens, as long as it is required.”
These latest events occurred amid the daily violence on the Israel-Gaza border, orchestrated by Hamas, the Islamic terror group that rules the Strip and calls for Israel’s destruction.
Hamas has organized a series of protests at the border under the “March of Return” banner. The terrorist group says the demonstrations will continue until May 15, the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel, which the Palestinians observe as Nakba Day, meaning Day of Catastrophe.
Some 40 Palestinians, mostly terrorists, have been killed in over six weeks of clashes on the Gaza border.