Mr. Speaker, I rise today in light of the recent rocket attacks launched by Hamas against our close friend and ally, Israel. Those of us who have visited Israel many times know that Israelis like to say that they live in a tough neighborhood. It is a volatile region with hostile neighbors. Israeli citizens and children live under the shadow of an everlasting threat of rocket attacks, suicide bombings, and looming violence. Israel is really the only true democracy in the region, and they have a right to defend themselves from attacks, and they must. These attacks over the last weeks are just the most recent examples. They mark the worst escalation of the conflict since 2014 resulting in the deaths of over 70 people. As Hamas' incessant rocket barrages continue, more civilian lives are put at risk, including innocent Palestinians. They also further endanger any possibility of peace. That is their goal. As a key ally in the region and a longtime friend of the United States, we must support Israel's right to defend itself and deescalate the violence and use our influence to do whatever we can to support our friend. ____________________
Share & report
More from Jim Costa
Mr. Speaker, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the world has changed--socially, economically, and the political landscape. Putin's war has killed thousands of Ukrainians, innocent citizens, and displaced millions who have struggled to…
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a special day for Americans of Portuguese descent to celebrate Dia de Portugal, a national Portuguese holiday. The story of Portuguese Americans is part of the American story, which is about…
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a friend and a citizen of Fresno, California, Hugo Morales, for being awarded with an honorary doctorate degree by Harvard University, the school from which he graduated. It is fitting and…
Mr. Speaker, I wish my constituents back home in the 21st Congressional District and Americans throughout the country a very happy new year. May it bring us good tidings and health, and may the Congress come together to solve some of the…





