Ranking Member Waxman Statement on Violence in Israel

Statement

Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman issued the following statement today on the escalating crisis in Israel:

"I am saddened by the recent escalation of violence in Israel. Hamas's utter disregard for human life is indefensible as it aims its rockets at Israeli civilians and uses its own people as human shields.

"The four murders that preceded the current crisis--three Israeli teenagers killed by Hamas operatives and one Palestinian teenager killed by Israeli extremists seeking revenge--were tragic events that rocked both Israelis and Palestinians. I again extend my sincerest condolences to each victim's family and echo Israeli President Shimon Peres and President-Elect Reuven Rivlin in calling for Jews and Arabs to end this violence, recognize their shared humanity, and work towards living together.

"Unfortunately, terrorist groups do not speak the language of peace and nonviolence. Hamas has repeatedly rejected Israeli pleas for a ceasefire and instead escalated the conflict by raining rockets down on major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and brazenly targeting Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona. There should be no confusion as to who is to blame for the unnecessary bloodshed.

"No country should have to send a million of its citizens into bomb shelters or be at risk of nuclear terrorism. I stand firmly by Israel as it exercises its right to self-defense."

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