January 5, 2009

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) issued the following statement about the situation in Gaza:

“I am disappointed that Hamas unilaterally chose to end the cease fire with Israel, and that they recommenced firing rockets and mortars at Israeli population centers. Since handing control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority in 2005, Israel has been the victim of over 2000 rocket attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups. Israel has the right and obligation to defend its citizens against these attacks. Hamas has the ability to end the crisis by ceasing further rocket attacks. For the sake of the Palestinian and Israeli people, I call on Hamas to end their attacks and encourage both parties to pursue peace,” stated Perlmutter.

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