[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HAMAS BREAKS TRUCE

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, early this morning, the day 
that marks the 59th year of Israeli independence, Hamas militants broke 
their truce by launching dozens of rockets and mortars into Israel. 
While no one was hurt and there was no reported damage, this is yet 
another setback for Middle East peace and for the kidnapped Gilad 
Shalit and his family who have patiently awaited his return.
  Hamas remains an organization full of contradictions. While their 
militant wing says the cease fire is over, the political wing insists 
that the cease fire is to be resumed. Hamas claims that Shalit is a 
prisoner of war and yet they bar the Red Cross from visiting him and 
have offered only scant proof the he even remains alive.
  There cannot be lasting peace in the Holy Land until the Palestinian 
people insist that all armed parties come under the control of a freely 
elected government. Palestinian terrorist groups operate under their 
own authority, planning and carrying out their attacks based on their 
warped view of Israeli grievances. This is just as destructive for 
peace-loving Palestinians as for peace-loving Israelis.
  Hamas continues to call for the destruction of Israel in its official 
policy statements. How can Israel hope to negotiate a lasting peace if 
the stated goal of the other sitting government is the very 
annihilation of their state? There can be peace, but only if Hamas 
shows in word and deed that coexistence is its goal.
  Until that time, the international community should support Israel, a 
state that abides by international treaties and is actively seeking a 
long-term solution to violence. As long as Hamas continues to 
promulgate random attacks on civilians and violate international 
prisoner of war standards, it cannot be trusted to sit down with the 
Israelis in good faith negotiations for peace.

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