Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz delivered the following speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives during a special order hour on the current situation in Israel, which was led by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) and Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY).

“I rise to speak about the Gaza Flotilla incident last week and in support of one of our nation’s closest allies, Israel. While the full details of the incident aboard the Mavi Marmara are still under investigation, it is apparent that the organizers of the flotilla intentionally sought to confront Israeli Security Forces and defy the embargo established by Israel and Egypt. The organizers rejected means to deliver humanitarian aid used by internationally accepted organizations, including the Red Cross. 

“The resulting altercation and tragic loss of life could have been avoided had the organizers of the flotilla agreed to Israel’s repeated offers to dock at one of their ports and allow for the overland transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza under the supervision of those in the flotilla.

“Israel has the right to protect and defend itself.  The blockade of Gaza exists to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza and to protect the citizens of Israel, who have been subject to thousands of rocket attacks launched by Hamas since 2005.  Hamas, recognized as an enemy of Israel and as a terrorist organization, has as its mission the destruction and dissolution of the State of Israel, continues to be a threat to the safety and security of the residents Israel.

“The loss of life is tragic.  Unfortunately the organizers of the Flotilla were clearly intent on provoking a military response, rather than delivering humanitarian aid.  Otherwise they would have worked with Israel to safely and securely transfer supplies into Gaza.  In spite of the fact that Hamas is singularly focused on the destruction of Israel, Israel currently allows delivery of 10,000-15,000 tons of humanitarian aid a week to Gaza. 

“Certainly, the United States will continue to support Israel and work closely with all our allies to suppress violent extremism around the world.  We will continue to work to end hostilities in the Middle East and find a way to ensure security for the State of Israel and a future of hope for the Palestinian people.”

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