In an interview with ABC News, Israeli President Shimon Peres today rejected any possibility of a new ceasefire with Hamas and the ending of the attack on the Gaza Strip. “Hamas needs a real and serious lesson. They are now getting it,” the president insisted. Gaza’s civilians seem to be getting it too.
Peres also claimed in the interview that Hamas was a “satellite” of the Iranian government, and that “they cannot hide that they are acting by orders from Iran.” Yet while Iran has certainly been vigorous in its opposition of the Israeli invasion of Gaza, its ability to influence Hamas before the attacks, let alone after over 500 people have been killed, is far from apparent.
Peres also chided the international community for criticizing the invasion, accusing them of “hypocrisy” and asking “what right do they have to preach to us?” The president also called on Israel’s Arab minority to contribute to the war effort, saying “you know Israel does not want to conquer and oppress.”