WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today released the following statement regarding the recent violence in Israel:

"Obviously, Israel has the absolute right to defend itself from Hamas terrorists and other threats to its security.  The ongoing rocket attacks on Israel are unacceptable and must be stopped.  However, I fear the current military operation in Gaza represents a vastly disproportionate response that will further destabilize the region.

 "Simple humanity demands that we grieve for the dead Palestinian child as much as we mourn the dead Israeli child.  The numbers of dead and injured in Gaza, and the televised images of the humanitarian crisis now unfolding are truly shocking.  And while this renewed state of war is clearly a tragedy for the Palestinian people, it will also bring a renewed state of fear in Israel because the threat of another wave of suicide bombing in Israeli cities is all too real.

 "As a Member of Congress strongly dedicated to Israel's security, I believe an immediate ceasefire is necessary.  And since this eruption of violence in Gaza is so clearly detrimental to U.S. national interests, I call upon both President Bush and President-elect Obama to use their influence to push both sides to stop shooting and renew the ceasefire."

###

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.