WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), released the following statement:

“I am deeply concerned by escalating conflict between the State of Israel and Hamas.  The recent military action taken by the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza is a direct response to Hamas’ barrage of rocket and mortar attacks against civilian targets in Israel. I strongly support Israel’s right to defend its citizens against threats to its security and existence. Labeled as a terrorist organization, Hamas is directly responsible for the innocent loss of life of both Israelis and Palestinians,” said Senator Cardin.  “These terrorist attacks exacerbate the already fragile situation for the residents of Gaza. We must find a way to advance a stable and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian people.”

###