JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said yesterday it had resumed airstrikes on Gaza after Hamas militants violated a truce brokered by Egypt.
Muslim activists gather in front of the Israeli embassy at the Ocean Tower 2 building on Sukhumvit Soi 19 to protest against Israel’s deadly attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. PATIPAT JANTHONG
Military spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner says that after holding its fire for six hours Israel “resumed operational activities”.
The military says that during those six hours Gaza militants fired about 50 rockets at Israel. No injuries were reported.
The truce was meant to lead to detailed ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas and end a week of fighting that has killed more than 190 Palestinians.
Israel accepted the Egyptian truce plan, but vowed to hit Gaza hard if Hamas rejected the deal.
The airstrikes resumed came only hours after at least 200 protesters staged a protest in front of the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, calling on Tel Aviv to stop the attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The protesters also condemned the attacks, saying the violence against “innocent Palestinians” was devilish and would affect world security. They dispersed after the brief protest but vowed to come back if the tension in the Gaza Strip worsened.
Israeli ambassador to Thailand Simon Roded said the attacks were launched against terrorist groups in Gaza, and were aimed at restoring people’s safety.
“After three weeks of restraint, and the continuation of incessant rocket attacks by the terrorist organisations in Gaza, Israel was left with no other alternative but to respond in order to restore the safety of its civilian population”, he said.
“We have no dispute with the Muslim communities of Thailand and respect them tremendously”, Mr Roded added.
Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow, also serving as acting foreign minister, called on Israel and Palestine to talk.
Mr Sihasak said Thailand did not want to see the situation worsen as it would affect innocent people, particularly children. He said there are a number of Thais currently working in Israel.
“This deteriorating situation requires all sides to return to the negotiating table and seek a way out together,’’ Mr Sihasak said.
He said it was not necessary for the time being to evacuate Thais from Israel.