By Chen Xia, China.org.cn staff reporter  

Israel will not stop its military operation against Hamas in Gaza Strip until it achieves its final goal, said Israel's ambassador in Beijing, Amos Nadai, in a news conference on January 6, 2009.

Israel is determined to eliminate the military capability of Hamas, including their huge stockpiles of arms, missiles and rockets, and to remove their intent to launch further attacks against Israel.

If Israel heeds calls for a ceasefire right now, Mr. Nadai said, Hamas will feel free to continue shelling Israel, because they will realize that once Israel launches military operations, which is Israel's action of last resort, Hamas will immediately receive backing from the international community.

Israeli soldiers fire tear gas at Palestinian protestors during a clash in the West Bank city of Hebron, on January 5, 2009. Palestinians on Monday held a protest in Hebron against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and clashed with Israeli soldiers.[Xinhua]

Mr. Nadai insisted that the responsibility of this ongoing crisis lay with Hamas. In the past eight years, he said, Hamas has targeted 8,000 rockets on south Israel. Two-year-old children there can count to 15 fluently not because of maths classes, but because they have 15 seconds to run for cover. "It's the government's duty to end the suffering of the Israeli population."

In the past few days, according to Mr. Nadai, Hamas has bombed the lifeline channel to bring supplies into Gaza, and then told the international community that Israel was the one to blame.

"Hamas is not only presenting threats to Israel, but also to the whole world… It should be kept in mind the victory of Hamas will encourage similar terrorist activities around the world."

Mr. Nadai admitted the situation in Palestine is very grave. But he claimed Israel is doing all it can to minimize casualties. Currently, Israel is working with the World Food Program (WFP) to ensure a basic livelihood in the Gaza area and many Palestinians wounded in the attacks have been admitted to Israeli hospitals.

"Peace is the only option," said Mr. Nadai when commenting on the future of the Gaza Strip. Israel has conducted extensive dialogue with moderate Palestinian leadership and Mr. Nadai believes the Palestinian people like the Israelis. Peace is the wish of both Israel and moderate Palestinians people, but unfortunately, Mr. Nadai said, Hamas is always seeking to prevent any kind of solution.

Asked when journalists will be allowed to enter Gaza, Mr. Nadai said it will be as early as possible. "We are not trying to hide anything… But the government is greatly concerned about the possibility that they will be hurt."

(China.org.cn January 6, 2009)