Israeli diplomats gird for Gaza clashes, say Hamas responsible

Israel’s Foreign Ministry takes to Twitter in anticipation of international criticism on clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters at the Gaza border.

“While the campaign is being presented to the world at large as a peaceful enterprise, there is no doubt that this latest Hamas ploy is aimed at igniting a violent confrontation with Israel,” the Foreign Ministry says in reference to planned protests tomorrow.

“As a result, Israel finds itself on the eve of Passover preparing for an array of scenarios, including a violent, deliberate charge on its border,” it says. “And while Israel hopes and aims to avoid violence it will take all necessary steps to prevent any violation of its sovereignty or any threat to its citizens.”

“Israel, of course, has the full right to defend its borders, to protect its citizens and to prevent illegal infiltration into its sovereign territory. Responsibility for any clashes that may arise will thus lie solely with Hamas and the other Palestinian organizations who have manufactured this entire campaign,” the ministry adds.

— with Raphael Ahren