“Israeli and Palestinian civilians deserve the same thing as all people: to raise their families in peaceful communities free from and unthreatened by violence. However, as long as Hamas engages Israel only with terrorism and rocket fire, prospects for peace will dim while people and families suffer. This is unacceptable for Israel and for the United States, which will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens from attack. At the same time, Gaza must not become the scene of a humanitarian catastrophe, just as it must not be allowed to serve as a base for firing rockets at Israel.

“With this in mind, I urge the international community, Hamas’s militants, and the Israeli government to agree to a cease-fire that halts hostilities and addresses the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ultimate goal of such a cease-fire must be to lead to a sustainable peace agreement that dismantles Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure, eases the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza, and guarantees the safety and security of innocent Israelis and Palestinians alike. Achieving peace through a renewed emphasis on diplomacy and negotiation is critical in order to craft a long-term settlement that strengthens Israel’s security, improves

Palestinians’ quality of life, and breaks the region’s cycle of violence and suffering.” (Press Release, January 7, 2009)