[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E74]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF AGAINST ATTACKS FROM GAZA

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                               speech of

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I wish to express my strong support for 
House Resolution 34, recognizing Israel's universal and sovereign right 
to defend itself from acts of war and aggression, and reaffirming the 
United States' strong support for Israel in our mutual fight against 
terrorism.
  The cause of the present crisis is clear. Hamas, a terrorist 
organization committed to the destruction of Israel, has continually 
violated the territorial integrity of the State of Israel, a member of 
the United Nations, by launching thousands of rocket attacks from Gaza 
for the purpose of terrorizing and killing the citizens of Israel.
  Hamas has received substantial support in its campaign of terror from 
other rogue nations, most notably Iran, which has provided Hamas with 
the material and expertise to conduct their rocket attacks.
  In responding to these attacks, Israel is exercising its sovereign 
right to self defense, a legitimate right recognized by the 
international community.
  Unfortunately, rather than lay the blame for this crisis where it 
belongs, with Hamas and its leadership, too many of our international 
allies have instead criticized Israel.
  Blaming Israel for this present situation is akin to blaming the 
victim of a crime for the actions of a criminal. These criticisms of a 
sovereign state exercising its legitimate right to self defense will 
only embolden Hamas and terrorists everywhere.
  House Resolution 34 recognizes that it is Hamas that is responsible 
for this present crisis and expresses our nation's solidarity with our 
friends and allies in Israel during their time of great danger. It is 
for this reason that I wish to express my strong support for House 
Resolution 34.

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