United Nations Radio

Israel says it launched a military operation in Gaza aimed at protecting Israelis living in southern Israel from the incessant barrage of rocket and mortar shell fires.

UN Security Council

Israel's UN Ambassador Gabriela Shalev says Israel was compelled to resort to a military operation after many weeks and months in which civilians were subjected to deliberate terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations operating from the Gaza Strip.

"Israel demonstrated utmost restraint before launching this operation, but there comes a time when a sovereign, responsible government must take decisive action to protect its citizens and send a clear message to the Hamas terrorists - enough is enough."

Ambassador Shalev says in the last two weeks, prior to Israel's reaction, Tel Aviv witnessed a steep escalation in the attacks of Hamas against southern Israel.

She says Israel was subjected to a barrage of rockets and mortar shells launched indiscriminately striking cities and towns, schools and playgrounds.

And she adds that in its military response Israel was exercising its right to self-defence.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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