[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECENT EVENTS IN SOUTHERN ISRAEL AND GAZA

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                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my fears about the 
events occurring in southern Israel and Gaza. Last Saturday, Hamas-
affiliated militias began firing rockets from Gaza into Israel. These 
attacks, directed at Israeli civilians, are acts of war. Israel has 
every right and a solemn duty to protect her citizens. The rocket 
attacks have continued all week, and yesterday, three Israeli civilians 
were killed in an attack on Kiryat Malakhi.
  Regrettably, Israel was forced to take a necessary and appropriate 
step in defending her citizens by launching an offensive against 
Palestinian militants in Gaza. During the attacks, Israeli defense 
forces killed the military commander of Hamas in an air strike. Israel 
has clearly told those who kill the innocent that Israel will use 
whatever force necessary to protect her citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Israel live in constant fear of rocket 
attacks from Gaza. In 2009, I visited the Israeli village of Sderot 
that borders on Gaza. I'll never forget talking to an Israeli mother 
who is always within arm's reach of her young children. Any time the 
air raid sirens scream a warning of an incoming barrage of rockets, she 
must be ready to grab her children and take cover in the family's bomb 
shelter. This has to be done within seconds or her family may be 
killed.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States must continue to fully support 
Israel's right to defend herself against the constant threat of 
terrorist attacks by Hamas from Gaza. This is also a critically 
important moment for Egypt to step up as a responsible mediator to end 
the violence. The new Egyptian government has a chance to show its 
acceptance of the 1979 peace treaty. It is their choice, but whatever 
they decide, America will stand firmly beside our ally Israel.

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