Moran Supports Israel's Right to Defend Itself

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerry Moran made the following statement after Israel Defense Forces stopped a flotilla of six ships from violating a legal blockade designed to prevent weapons from being smuggled into Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. Hamas is a U.S.-designated terrorist group, whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel. Hamas terrorists have fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells into Israel since 2005.

“Israel has a right to defend itself, including by enforcing a legal blockade to prevent the smuggling of weapons that can be used by Hamas to kill Israeli civilians,” Moran said. “Israel offered the flotilla the opportunity to dock in Israel and have the aid delivered to Gaza. Unfortunately, the flotilla chose otherwise; the intent was to provoke a confrontation with Israel rather than deliver material to Gaza. President Obama should make it clear that the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorists.”

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