Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Thursday, October 12, 2023. Israel’s retaliation has escalated after Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers launched an unprecedented attack on Israel Saturday, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking captive dozens. Heavy Israeli airstrikes on the enclave has killed over 1,200 Palestinians. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
MANILA, Philippines — Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss on Tuesday said Israel is not occupying Gaza, adding that the ongoing war is with militant group Hamas and not the Palestinian people.
In a statement, Fluss said the international community must “take decisive action” against Hamas and designate it as a terror organization.
“The founding charter of Hamas, advocating for Israel’s destruction and the murder of all Jews from all over the world, aligns with a modern Nazi regime. Rejecting peace negotiations, Hamas perpetuates an endless cycle of violence and bloodshed,” said Fluss.
“Contrary to misconceptions and false information, Israel is not occupying Gaza; the war is with the terrorist organization Hamas, not the Palestinian people. Israel is not occupying Gaza and has no plans of occupying Gaza. Unfortunately Hamas is the government of Gaza,” he added.
According to Fluss, they are demanding the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas.
Meanwhile, Fluss stressed that Israel “has the right to defend itself” in a war “imposed” by the militant group, adding that attempts to undermine this threaten the principles of self-defense.
The statement was issued after various multi-sectoral progressive groups gathered on Tuesday in front of the Israel Embassy in Taguig to criticize Israel’s alleged occupation of Palestine.