(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Alan Grayson, one of three incoming Jewish members of Congress, issued the following statement on the situation in Gaza.

“The circumstances confronting Israel are remarkable and clear. Hamas has been firing or allowing the firing of rockets into Israel, killing and maiming Israelis and threatening and disrupting their lives on a regular basis. This is unacceptable. Israeli civilians must not suffer from rocket attacks from or permitted by Hamas. Any country would seek to end attacks like this on its citizens. Military action is always a last resort, but in this case it is apparently necessary.

The humanitarian crisis is of deep concern, and it is important to note that Hamas’s behavior has been especially brutal. By using Palestinians as human shields, the group is needlessly multiplying the casualties in the area. If Hamas had an interest in minimizing the loss of life, its leaders would not be putting civilians in harm’s way or firing rockets at civilian targets. That is just not a way to solve the thorny set of problems confronting all people in the region.” # # #

WASHINGTON CONTACT: Julie Tagen, 202-225-2176