AJC Welcomes News of Gaza Cease-fire

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Jul 15, 2014, 08:35 ET

NEW YORK, July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC welcomed today's decision by Israel's Security Cabinet to agree to an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire, in a diplomatic effort to end the week-long hostilities with Hamas-controlled Gaza.

The military confrontation was triggered by the Hamas kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers, and a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.

According to latest reports, Israel has agreed to halt its military operations, but reserves the right to respond to attacks. It is unclear at the moment if Hamas will agree to the terms of the cease-fire.

"Israel did not seek this confrontation, but was duty-bound to protect the lives of its civilians threatened by Hamas, a terrorist group whose aim, pure and simple, is Israel's annihilation," said AJC Executive Director David Harris.

"We wish to express our appreciation to the government of Egypt for its negotiating efforts, as well as to the United States for its support," Harris added. "We would also like to recall those countries whose leaders had the moral clarity to stand with Israel and condemn the brazen Hamas assault, including Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, and the U.S. We watched in awe as the Iron Dome missile system, created by Israeli ingenuity and vital American assistance, protected Israel's cities and town from Hamas rockets. And, above all, we applaud the determination of Israel's armed forces and civilian population alike to stand up so courageously and resolutely to the latest round of Hamas aggression."