Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the ongoing violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip:

“With Israel under assault, Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have made it clear: Israel has a right to defend herself as a nation.  No Israeli family should be forced to endure constant threats to their lives or the persistent fear of rocket attacks.  The targeting of innocent Israelis must end, and all efforts must be made to avoid the further loss of life.

“We all mourn the deaths of innocent civilians, and we call on Hamas to no longer place civilians in harm’s way.  It is imperative that nations and leaders across the region urge Hamas to halt all attacks on Israel’s cities and people.

“Congress and America’s leaders will continue to monitor the situation closely.  We offer our condolences to the loved ones of the innocent victims who lost their lives in recent days and encourage a peaceful resolution to this conflict.”