[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 118 (Friday, July 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 ISRAEL HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF

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                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2014

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, Hamas, which was designated as a terrorist 
organization by the United States under President Bill Clinton, has a 
history of using schools, hospitals, and civilian areas as staging 
grounds and launch sites for their attacks against Israel. They have 
also built a network of tunnels under those locations to facilitate the 
movement of soldiers and weapons for use against Israel. When Israel 
responds to these attacks by specifically targeting the missile 
launchers, Hamas uses human shields--many times children--as propaganda 
tools. The civilized world should be horrified at such tactics by Hamas 
and condemn them absolutely.
  Just recently, I cosponsored a resolution that reaffirms Israel's 
right to defend itself, and I would note that they have shown 
incredible restraint in fighting back. They give ample warning prior to 
an attack, advising all innocent parties to flee. In truth, if Israel 
were as indiscriminate as Hamas and used all the military might at 
their disposal, Gaza would be a smoking wasteland within hours. That 
this has not happened is testament to Israel's care in targeting only 
areas that have been used as attack launch points. The United States 
must speak with one voice on this issue and stand with our strong ally 
Israel.

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