The Multilateral Chamber of Commerce and Cooperation Israel Ibero-America (now the Israel Ibero-America Chamber of Commerce) condemns in the strongest and most forceful terms possible the act of terrorism and the massacre committed on October 7, 2023 in Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas and the fanatical civilians from Gaza who supported and took part in this atrocious attack. The attack was launched from the Gaza Strip against communities in southern Israel.
Civilian victims of the October 7 attack
This act claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians—Jews, Muslims, Arabs, Christians, Israelis and foreigners—regardless of age, gender or status, including men, women, children and even babies. The attack plunged thousands of families in Israel and around the world into grief and uncertainty.
Many still do not know whether their loved ones have been murdered by the Palestinian terrorist group or are among the hostages whose identities are still unknown to us.
An attack on the values of peace, freedom and human rights
This horrendous act of barbarism is a direct attack not only on Israel, but also on the universal values of peace, freedom and human rights that define Western societies. By perpetrating this attack, Hamas has shown its utter contempt for human life and its aim of sowing fear, destruction and chaos in the region.
This extremist group represents an existential threat not only to Israel, but also to all countries that uphold peaceful coexistence and democratic principles.
Hamas, the main obstacle to a Palestinian state
It is essential to point out that the greatest threat to the creation of a Palestinian state today is precisely the existence of Hamas and its ties to terrorist regimes such as Iran. The corruption of Palestinian leaders and their complicity with these dark regimes are the main reasons that have prevented the Palestinian people from creating their own state, whether in 1948 or in 2023. As long as Hamas continues to perpetuate violence and terrorism, any possibility of a stable and prosperous Palestinian state will remain out of reach.
Peaceful coexistence between Israel and a Palestinian state
At the Chamber, we firmly support the idea of peaceful coexistence between a Palestinian state and the State of Israel. We believe that the establishment of a Palestinian state can and should be part of a lasting solution to the conflict in the region.
However, this coexistence will only be possible if the creation of such a state does not jeopardize the security of Israel or the integrity of the Jewish people. The only real obstacle to achieving this coexistence remains the terrorist intentions of Hamas and the corrupt ties between Palestinian leaders and Iran, which foster violence and terrorism instead of the peace and prosperity that the Palestinian people truly deserve.
A call to the international community
The Chamber makes an urgent call on the international community to unequivocally condemn Hamas’s acts of terrorism and to work toward building a peace based on security, mutual respect and the total rejection of violence. We must stand united in defense of our principles and values, and must not allow terrorism any room in our societies or anywhere in the world.
The Chamber and Israel
We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Israel and to the families of the victims of this horrific attack. We reiterate our unconditional support for Israel in its struggle for peace, security and the well-being of its citizens, and we remain hopeful that the region can achieve stability, provided that the threats of extremism and terror are eliminated.
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