Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced a resolution expressing support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization.
The resolution:
- Reaffirms the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure the survival of the State of Israel;
- Condemns the unprovoked rocket fire at Israel;
- Calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket and other attacks against Israel; and
- Calls on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to dissolve the unity governing arrangement with Hamas and condemn the attacks on Israel.
“Israel has a right to self-defense in the face of indiscriminate violence and vicious attacks against civilian populations,” said Senator Menendez. “It is an appalling but often-used tactic by Hamas to launch rockets indiscriminately at Israeli population centers. Nobody should be surprised that a terrorist organization is once again resorting to terror to harm innocent Israelis, and exposing Palestinian civilians to danger while doing so. Hamas is a terrorist organization that rejects a two-state solution and celebrates the kidnapping and murder of innocent civilians; it cannot be a partner in a Palestinian unity government.”
"Hamas must immediately cease the unprovoked rocket attacks that terrorize the Israeli people, and the Palestinian Authority should condemn these attacks,” said Senator Casey. “Through its incitement of violence, Hamas has again shown its true colors: it is a terrorist organization and has no intentions of working towards peace in the region. Having traveled to the region multiple times and seen the security situation firsthand, my thoughts today are with the families on both sides who continue to live under constant security threats. Israel has an inherent right to self-defense and we should reaffirm our unwavering support for the security and safety of its people.”
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