Reps. Israel and Cole Applaud Passage of Resolution Supporting Israel's Right to Defend Itself Against Rocket Attacks from Hamas

Press Release

Today, Reps. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) and Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) applauded the passage of their bipartisan resolution supporting the State of Israel's right to defend itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from Hamas, a terrorist organization. The resolution passed with more than 140 cosponsors.

Rep. Israel said, "I applaud the passage of this bipartisan resolution affirming U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself against violence. It demonstrates the strong and unwavering partnership between the U.S. and the State of Israel and sends a clear message to Hamas and other terrorist organizations that acts of terror against Israel will not be tolerated."

Rep. Tom Cole said, "I am pleased that the House reinforced its support of our friends in Israel during times of great tension and unrest in the region. Over the last several weeks, Hamas has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip, putting the lives of our Israeli friends in grave danger. As Israel combats these acts of terror, I am pleased that this resolution shows that America stands behind our friends. I am also very proud that the Iron Dome, a joint Israeli-American project that intercepts missiles, has helped in the fight against terror and protected millions of lives. During these times of unrest, this technology is proving indispensable."

H.Res. 657 reaffirms the support of the United States for Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist attacks, condemns the unprovoked attacks, calls on Hamas to immediately cease all rocket attacks against Israel.

Since June 2014, Hamas has fired more than 600 rockets at Israel from the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army estimates that with its current reach, Hamas' rockets endanger an estimated 6 million people--a majority of the Israeli population. The attacks have been condemned by White House spokesman Josh Earnest and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Hamas, a Sunni Islamist party, has governed the Gaza strip since 2007. They are designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, Australia and the European Union.

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