Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) Statement on the Violence in Gaza

“Israel, like any other sovereign nation, has the right to provide for her own security against terrorist campaigns. A cease fire does not seem plausible until the rocket attacks by Hamas and the threat for future rocket attacks have ended. Of course, it is in everyone’s best interest to end the constant threat of violence. We must do more to build an environment where we can grow new economic opportunities for both sides which will provide Palestinians with a sense of economic hope and allow Israelis to live in peace. I am confident and hopeful that President-elect Barack Obama will be able to bring together the peace loving people of the world in order to create economic and political stability for the Palestinian people and a two state solution without having to fear the terrorism instituted by Hamas.” (Press Release, December 30, 2008)