WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Israel’s right to defend itself:

“I condemn Hamas’ recent and ongoing rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself. While Israeli officials have alerted civilians in Gaza to the need to stay away from Hamas and its operatives in an attempt to minimize civilian casualties, Hamas is intentionally targeting Israeli civilians. Hamas’ deliberate attacks against Israeli civilians and their continued use of innocent Palestinians civilians in Gaza as human shields, is disgraceful. It is imperative that the International Community support Israel’s right to defend itself.”