Statement from Congressman Dan Goldman on Military Operations in Gaza

“In the wake of Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack that has taken the lives of at least 1,300 people in Israel, including at least 27 American citizens, it is incumbent upon Congress and the Biden Administration to provide whatever military, security and diplomatic support Israel needs to protect herself and eradicate Hamas, a terrorist organization whose governing charter explicitly calls for the genocidal elimination of the Jewish people and the state of Israel.

“As Israel carries out its obligation to defend itself with a just and legitimate military response against Hamas, it is of the utmost importance that we as a global community recognize that our fight is with Hamas – not with the non-violent Palestinians in Gaza who are also suffering under the brutal yoke of Hamas’ evil oppression. That fight must be pursued within the humanitarian confines of the laws of war.

“It also critical that we acknowledge the brutal reality on the ground: Hamas has intentionally placed much of its infrastructure and command centers in residential neighborhoods — and even schools and hospitals — with the purpose of using innocent Palestinians as human shields.  Hamas has also instructed Palestinians to ignore warnings from Israel about forthcoming attacks.

“Even if Hamas is willing to sacrifice innocent lives for its antisemitic objectives, the global community cannot allow for that. I therefore urge Israel to use restraint in pursuing its justified and righteous response to Hamas’s barbaric attacks. I also call upon Egypt and other countries in the region to assist the humanitarian relief effort by facilitating food and water to flow into Gaza and the temporary removal and relocation of Gazans who want to leave.

“More than anything, we as Americans must remain united against terrorism around the globe. Just as we rallied together to eliminate Al Qaeda and ISIS, we must do the same in rooting out Hamas. In doing so, we must also remain unified in support of the innocent civilians in Gaza who have suffered under Hamas rule. This is a war against Hamas, a terrorist organization, not against the Palestinian people.”

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