Self-defense Is Not A Crime Against Humanity

Floor Speech

Self-defense Is Not A Crime Against Humanity

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 867, which opposes the enforcement and further consideration of the Goldstone Report.

I have been to Gaza. I have seen the desolation and poverty in which the people of Gaza survive. I have also been to Israel. I have seen Sderot, which is where civilians have been hammered relentlessly by rockets from Gaza. I have seen the fortified recreation center there, complete with bomb shelters--the only place children feel safe to play.

This decades-old battle is complex, and it deserves to be examined, but what we cannot do is turn the victims into the perpetrators. We cannot forget history. For 8 years, Hamas has continuously fired thousands of rockets at innocent Israeli civilians. Israel finally struck back, defending itself against an opportunistic enemy.

I am grateful to Chairman Berman for his leadership on this issue.

Note: Self-defense is not a crime against humanity, and we must not let a deeply flawed report destroy progress made in the peace process.

Source