[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E43]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      VIOLENCE IN ISRAEL AND GAZA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that is 
very much on the minds of my constituents right now--the violence in 
Israel and Gaza.
  This is a difficult time for Israel, and as its ally, I believe we 
must support its right to self-defense.
  Before I joined Congress, I had the privilege of visiting Israel. It 
was a trip that I will never forget. I have always considered myself a 
friend of Israel, but that trip made me realize just how much our two 
nations have in common.
  We all want peace, Madam Speaker, but clearly there can be no peace 
while Hamas continues to launch unprovoked rocket attacks into Israel.
  We would not let Hamas launch rockets into the United States, and I 
do not know how we could expect Israel to permit these attacks either.
  I am deeply saddened by the casualties the recent conflict has 
inflicted, especially the civilian casualties. Each one of these is a 
tragedy, and I sincerely hope that both sides will do everything 
possible to avoid them.
  I am encouraged by Israel's decision to temporarily pause its 
military operations to allow delivery of humanitarian aid, and by 
Hamas's decision to cease rocket launches during these deliveries. 
While only three hours, this is an important step forward. I hope that 
a longer lasting peace can be achieved soon.

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