(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today on the passage of House Resolution 657, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United States support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization. Larson is a cosponsor of the resolution, which passed today by unanimous consent in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East. The ongoing attacks and hundreds of rockets fired on the people of Israel threaten millions in the region. I join in support of Israel’s right to defend against this assault and thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together behind this effort,” said Larson.
Full text of the resolution below:
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United States support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization.
Whereas Hamas is a United States-designated terrorist organization whose charter calls for the destruction of the State of Israel;
Whereas Hamas continues to reject the Quartet's core principles--recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence, and accept previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements;
Whereas Hamas has killed hundreds of Israelis and dozens of Americans in rocket attacks and suicide bombings;
Whereas since Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, Hamas and other terrorist groups have fired thousands of rockets at Israel;
Whereas since June 2014, Hamas has fired nearly 300 rockets at Israel;
Whereas Hamas's weapons arsenal includes approximately 12,000 rockets that vary in range;
Whereas innocent Israeli civilians are indiscriminately targeted by Hamas rocket attacks; and
Whereas 5 million Israelis are currently living under the threat of rocket attacks from Gaza: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives
reaffirms its 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; and
calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket and other attacks against Israel.
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