[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12603]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   REGARDING U.S. SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

  Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, as the conflict in Gaza continues to 
escalate, we mourn the tragic loss of lives and hope for a speedy and 
peaceful resolution. Israelis and Palestinians have both seen far too 
much bloodshed and destruction.
  I cosponsored S. Res. 498 because I stand by Israel's right to defend 
itself against Hamas' indiscriminate attacks. No country in the world 
would be expected to stand by as its people are threatened with rocket 
fire. But both sides should do everything possible to deescalate and 
end this battle. I urge Hamas to end its attacks and to renounce its 
mission of annihilating Israel, and I urge Israel to exercise restraint 
and proportional force, tailoring its tactics to protect innocent 
lives.
  There can and must be an end in sight for the violence that is now 
engulfing the region. I support calls for an immediate ceasefire. The 
United States must continue to stand ready to help facilitate a 
solution and a path forward toward both security and economic 
development, which are essential elements for any enduring peace.

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