Dr. Yomtov Samiya, a former IDF Southern District Commander, told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) Sunday morning that Hamas may opt to call itself a government in Gaza, but from Israel’s perspective, it remains a terrorist organization, nothing more. As far as ongoing Israeli humanitarian efforts to ensure the residents of Gaza receive the basic amenities, the retired major-general explained that much of the medicines and humanitarian aid delivered into Gaza are stolen and taken to the warehouses of terrorists, sold in the black market which yields profits for the terrorist regime.

Samiya explained that Hamas remains determined to its principles, including wiping Israel off the map, and as such, Israel must remain committed to the destruction of Hamas, the regime in Gaza and terrorist organization, one in the same. He explained the leadership in Gaza is the very same that seeks to blow up Israeli buses and perpetrate terrorist attacks against Israel.

A representative of the southern -belt Gaza border communities added the residents are determined to remain and despite the recent alarming increase in rocket attacks, they are not about to run away. He had words of praise for the current administration, stating the government appears in tune to their day-to-day realities and much has been done to be better prepared in the event of renewed warfare.

Sderot Mayor David Buskila echoed his words, stating the government during the past year has done much towards increased area fortification and protection for the next round of warfare, which the mayor seemed to agree is more a matter of “when” than “if”.

Buskila stated that residents are doing their utmost to prepare themselves for such an eventuality, whenever that day may arrive.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)