[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E33-E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  GAZA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2009

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I am observing the violence unfolding 
in the Middle East with great concern. My constituents, like many 
across the nation, are horrified by the loss of life that is occurring 
on top of several decades of strife, and yearn for a solution that 
would bring stability to the region. I continue to believe that the 
United States has a central part to play and must return to an active 
and engaged role as mediator between Israel and the Palestinian people.
  The solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also a regional 
one, and it is high time that all countries in the neighborhood play an 
active role in supporting a two state solution.

[[Page E34]]

The aspirations of the Palestinian people and of their Israeli 
neighbors will continue to be undermined if Iran and Syria continue to 
funnel support for terrorist groups who kill innocent civilians and 
challenge the aspirations of moderates.
  Just like we in our country would and have responded to a terrorist 
attack on our soil, I fully support the right of Israel to defend its 
people against rockets launched by Hamas. Hamas has fired more than 
6,300 rockets and mortars at Israeli population centers since Israel 
withdrew from Gaza in 2005. No country can endure such actions. Hamas 
had an opportunity to govern the Gaza strip and work with Israel to 
meet the needs of the Palestinian people when Israel withdrew from Gaza 
in August 2005. Instead of renouncing its goal to eliminate the Israeli 
state and provide true leadership for the Palestinian people, Hamas 
chose violence and most recently broke the cease-fire which Egypt had 
brokered.
  Fatah in the West Bank and Palestinian moderates have shown the way 
by growing the economy there. Moderates on both sides will find lasting 
solutions which must then be actively supported by our new 
administration, the region and our European allies. Until that time 
when all parties can return to the negotiating table, I urge Israel to 
keep its operation focused on its core goal of eliminating the military 
threat posed by Hamas while protecting the lives of civilians who must 
be Israel's partners in the future.

                          ____________________