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Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL) released the following statement regarding House Resolution 34, recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States' strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process:

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 34 which recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States' strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

“When Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, there was hope from many that this was an opportunity for peace. Sadly, this has not been the case. Since then more than three years have passed and approximately 6,400 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israeli civilian communities by Hamas and other pro-Palestinian organizations. Their goal: to kill, maim, terrorize and traumatize innocent Israeli civilians.

“My friends, this total disregard for human life must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. These terrorist groups, some of which we know are supported by Iran and Syria, have left the Israeli government no choice but to defend the lives of their citizens.

“And to make matters worse, Hamas has been using its own people – families and children – as human shields when launching their sinister rocket attacks. Hamas terrorists have chosen to launch missiles into Israel from civilian sites intentionally placing the lives of Palestinians at risk. This shows their total disregard not only for the lives of Israelis, but for the lives of Palestinians as well.

“The world must come together and condemn the use of these outrageous and cowardly tactics against civilian communities and recognize Israel’s right as a sovereign and democratic nation to protect its citizens and borders from unprovoked terrorism. I urge my colleagues to stand up and support H. Res. 34 and recognize Israel’s right to do whatever it takes to protect the lives of its citizens.

“I yield back the balance of my time.”