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Washington, Nov 17 -

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith released the following statement in response to the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Militants in Gaza:

"I strongly condemn the relentless rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel.  The random targeting of civilian populations is something that should never be tolerated and Israel has the absolute right to defend itself.

"The Israeli people have never known peace and stability and generations have grown up in a culture of warfare, fear, and terror.  For these reasons it is critical that we support Israel and do everything we can to ensure Israel can defend itself.

"I am also sympathetic to the plight of Palestinians - the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is extremely troubling, but it cannot be resolved as long as Hamas and others in Gaza continue to attack Israel."