State Department: Peace plan ‘more urgent‘

The State Department said Tuesday Hamas violence makes the U.S. peace plan between Israel and the Palestinians even more urgent.

By JNS and World Israel News Staff

During the latest barrage of rockets launched by Hamas against Israel, the State Department said Tuesday that it should not affect the highly anticipated roll-out of the peace plan between Israel and the Palestinians.

Asked by newswire JNS if the rocket attacks will affect the peace plan, department spokesperson Heather Nauert replied, “Not to my knowledge. I think it makes it more urgent” that the plan be released and implemented.

“When you see [rocket attacks], that’s the case for peace right there,” she said.

Briefing reporters at the State Department on Tuesday, before the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Nauert reaffirmed the State Department’s support on Monday for Israel’s right to exist.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the rocket, missile and mortar attacks that are taking place from Gaza into Israel,” she said.

“We call for the sustained halt of those attacks. We stand with Israel as Israel defends itself against these attacks. It is simply unacceptable to target civilians.”

Hamas launched 400 rockets into Israel early in the week.

The subsequent ceasefire sent political shock waves through Israel, leading to the resignation Wednesday of Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.