Israel says its current campaign in Gaza is not an obstacle to peace. Rather it's a prerequisite for peace.
The representative of Israel Ambassador Gabriela Shalev told the UN Security Council Tuesday that while there are many in the council who speak in favor of peace, it is not enough to support peace.
She says there's a need to confront those who work to destroy peace:
"Is the Council's credibility strengthened when it calls for a ceasefire that effectively equates a terrorist group with a State defending itself against it? Does anyone here truly believe that Hamas will heed the words of this Council? This is not about a ceasefire with terrorism or a mutual cessation of hostilities. It is about ensuring the end of terrorism from Gaza, and the end of smuggling weapons into Gaza; so that there is no longer a need for Israeli defensive operations. This conflict will end not when terrorism is appeased or accommodated but when the international community stands determined and united against it."
Ambassador Shalev says anything less will be a major setback for hopes for peace and prosperity for the Palestinians.
This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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