Schwarzenberg: Israel has right to defend itself against Hamas

Prague, Dec 28 (CTK) - Israel has the right to take military action against
attacks on locations where its civilians live, Czech Foreign Minister Karel
Schwarzenberg said Sunday in reaction to the latest escalation of the
conflict between the Israeli military and the radical Palestinian group
Hamas.

On Saturday, Israel started one of the most violent attacks against
Palestinians in its history and some 280 people have died in the conflict
in the Gaza Strip so far.

Israel says it wants to force Hamas to stop attacking the Israeli
territory. Hamas announced that its fight against Israel will continue.

Schwarzenberg said no political dialogue is possible because of Hamas's
attacks on Israeli settlements.

Political negotiations can begin only if ceasefire is renewed, he said.

However, Schwarzenberg said it is unfortunate that the living conditions in
Gaza are very bad.

These conditions need to be changed in such a way that they do not make
young people join radical organisations, he said.