[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CALLING FOR RELEASE OF ISRAELI SOLDIER BY HAMAS

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                               speech of

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1359, 
calling for Hamas to unconditionally release captured Israeli soldier 
Gilad Shalit. On June 25, 2006, Hamas terrorists illegally crossed into 
Israel from the Gaza strip, killed two Israeli soldiers, and kidnapped 
Corporal Gilad Shalit. Tomorrow marks the fourth year Gilad Shalit 
continues to be held captive by Hamas. He has been held in violation of 
international humanitarian law, without access to proper medical care, 
without access to his loved ones, and without access to the 
International Committee of the Red Cross, despite that organization's 
repeated requests to visit him.
  I also rise today to strongly reaffirm America's unwavering 
commitment to the safety and security of the Jewish State of Israel. 
Israel and America's shared goal of a peaceful resolution of the 
Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved when Hamas renounces 
acts of terrorism such as rocket attacks against civilian populations, 
suicide bombings in civilian areas, and the extortionist capture and 
detention of Israeli soldiers.
  We continue to stand with the Shalit family in this very difficult 
time, and are praying for the safe and timely release of their 
courageous son.

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