Manning Statement on the Situation in Israel and Gaza

Statement

Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06) released the following statement about the situation in Israel and Gaza:

"I thank President Biden for standing with our democratic ally Israel while Israel is under attack by Hamas. Every nation has the responsibility to protect its citizens from military attack. The barrage of more than 3,500 rockets fired by Hamas has caused terror, death and destruction on both sides of the border, and the loss of life would have been even more devastating if not for Israel's ability to defend her people -- Jews and Arabs alike -- with the Iron Dome missile defense system. We must continue to ensure that our ally Israel has the ability to defend itself from terrorists and those bent on the destruction of the world's only Jewish state.

"Hamas's terrorist assault put Israeli and Palestinian lives and property at risk both in Israel and in Gaza. A legitimate government in Gaza would seek to protect its citizens, not use them for cover while placing rocket launchers, military headquarters, and weapons stockpiles in residential neighborhoods.

"The President has appropriately sought the de-escalation of violence toward a path to a ceasefire. I mourn the loss of all life caused by Hamas's attack on a sovereign nation. Hamas's actions make it even more difficult to achieve what all people of good faith pray for: a long-term peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian people."

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