Saturday, February 14, 2009

lecture-cum-discussion on “Israel's War Against Hamas Terror Network in Gaza”

PRESS NOTE

VPM’s Centre for International Studies organized a lecture-cum-discussion on “Israel's War Against Hamas Terror Network in Gaza” led by Mrs. Orna Sagiv, Consul General of Israel, Mumbai on February 9th, 2009 at 4.00 p.m. at the Centre’s Conference Room, 2nd floor of VPM’s R.Z. Shah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mithagar Rd, Mulund (East), Mumbai 81.

Hon. Director, Prof P.M. Kamath introducing the topic said that Hamas won the elections in June 2007 and became a governing party in Gaza. However, its long standing terrorist moorings did not vanish, it continued to hit at Israeli cities. Can a governing party conduct the terrorist attacks? That is on of the issues. Secondly, Israeli counter- attack against Hamas almost coincided with Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Toiba on Mumbai on 26/11. Obviously there was inescapable comparison between Indian response to terrorism and Israel response.

Consul General made it clear that Israel wants peace and want to avoid conflict. However, its counter-attack against Hamas was in self-defence. It is necessary she said to know the smallness of the Israeli territory that leads to instant impact of rocket attacks launched by Hamas, without leaving civilians any time to move for self-protection. Israeli citizens have lived under constant fear not knowing when the rockets would hit. Hamas has used hospitals, schools, as a hiding place for attacking Israeli cities. It is this factor that provoked Israel to retaliate.

Chairman, Shri N.B.H.Kulkarni presided over the lecture and Dr. R.G. Gidadhubli proposed the vote of Thanks.

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