Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today issued the following statement as details about the events involving a Turkish-sponsored flotilla and Israeli Defense Forces continue to surface:

“Unlike many of her international counterparts, Secretary Clinton was correct at the outset to urge caution, and not rush to judgment until we learned the facts.  We now know the facts. 

“The Israeli Naval blockade is executed in accordance with international law.  The blockade is necessary to prevent the flow of weapons into Gaza to be used against Israelis.  The phony “peace activists” aboard the Flotilla did not want to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, they wanted to break the blockade.  The violence was instigated by the brutal terrorists aboard the ship, not the Israeli servicemen.  The Israeli Naval Commandos rightly believed their lives to be in danger and responded appropriately. 

“The international response is unfounded, misplaced, and outrageous.  I join my colleagues in supporting Israel’s right to defend themselves and the right of the Israeli Navy to use force when attacked.”