As the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip lingers on, Canada remains committed to its view on the Middle East conflict. New comments from Peter Kent, Junior Foreign Minister and designated spokesman on the conflict clarify and strengthen Canada’s position on the hotly debated issue.

“Again, Hamas bears the burden of responsibility. This history of Hamas is to use civilian infrastructure and civilian populations as shields for their terrorist activities,” said Kent, rejecting any suggestion that Israel’s response to Hamas rocket attacks has been disproportionate.

Kent presents a valid point that’s often “forgotten” in the negative blitz of media attacks on Israel’s operation in the Gaza Strip. Hamas purposely operates in densely populated areas within the strip as a means of deterring Israeli retaliatory strikes. Just days ago, eyewitnesses in Gaza told the Associated Press Hamas militants were using the UN school hit by Israeli forces to fire mortars at Israeli soldiers. Video from late 2007 also confirms Hamas’ use of schools as an area from which to fire rockets at Israel. That video can be seen here. And to strengthen his case even more, a recently released video shows Hamas using UN sponsored ambulances to hide from Israeli forces operating in the strip.
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