Select Congressional Responses to Gaza Flotilla Raid

Jun 3, 2010

Sen. John Kerry (MA), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:

I am saddened by the tragic loss of life in the waters off Gaza. At this point, it is unclear what happened and there must be a thorough investigation. This unfortunate incident underscores the necessity of resolving the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee:

Israel has the right and the duty to defend itself and its citizens, including by seeking to inspect ships run by Islamist extremist groups. These extremists, suspected of financing jihadist groups, were seeking to enter Hamas-controlled Gaza despite repeated requests from the Israeli government not to do so....

The U.S. must stand with Israel against this diplomatic lynch mob and the threats posed to its security, and very existence, by Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran, and Syria.

Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY), Chair of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia:

I strongly support Israel's right to defend itself, and the right of Israel's naval commandos, who were executing a legal mission, to defend themselves by using force when they were brutally attacked. I strongly condemn the action of those who assaulted the Israeli troops and made the use of violence by Israeli troops necessary in self-defense. The loss of life is regrettable, but wholly the fault and responsibility of the organizers of the effort to break through Israel and Egypt's legitimate closure of terrorist-controlled Gaza....

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA), Speaker of the House of Representatives:

I regret the loss of life and look forward to learning the facts from a credible and transparent investigation. This event underscores the urgent need for negotiations designed to achieve an enduring and comprehensive regional peace.

Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD), House Majority Leader:

As we wait for all the facts to emerge about Monday's events, several things are already clear. First, the loss of life was tragic. Second, Israel - rightfully so - invoked its right to self-defense on the Mavi Marmara.Finally, to the extent that this act was in protest of the Gaza blockade, let's be clear: Hamas could end the blockade at any time by recognizing Israel's right to exist, renouncing violence, and releasing Gilad Shalit....

Rep. Eric Cantor (VA), House Minority Whip:

.... I commend the administration for its steadfast support of Israel in resisting another Goldstone-style U.N. investigation....
As the facts trickle in and we learn more and more about the questionable nature of the crew aboard the Turkish-sponsored Marmara ship, it has become clear that it is false to characterize the nature of this mission as "humanitarian." Rather, this was an attempt to provoke Israel, create international uproar and force an end to an Egypt-Israel blockade meant to stop Hamas from arming....

Sen. Joseph Lieberman (CT):

"We should be very clear about who is responsible for the unfortunate loss of life in the attempt to break the blockade in Gaza. Hamas and its allies are the responsible parties for the recent violence and the continued difficulties for the people of Gaza. Israel exercised her legitimate right of self defense....

"I appreciate the way in which the Obama Administration has refused to join the international herd that has rushed to convict Israel before the facts were known and has apparently forgotten that Israel is a democratic nation and Hamas is a terrorist group. At difficult moments like this, it is more important than ever for the U.S. to stand steadfastly with our democratic ally, Israel."

Rep. Keith Ellison (MN):

....This tragedy did not need to happen. This event is the result of the ongoing, counterproductive blockade on Gaza. The blockade punishes ordinary citizens, and strengthens Hamas' control over commerce. I am concerned for Israel's security and an undernourished and unemployed Gazan population does not promote this goal.There should be a full investigation by responsible parties regarding how this incident occurred....

Rep. Barney Frank (MA):

.... I do believe that the decision to seek to land that group of ships in the territory that is controlled by a terrorist group was a wholly irresponsible one, and created the situation in which violence occurred.... The Israeli government has committed itself to appointing a credible inquiry and I support that....

Rep. Peter Roskam (IL):

"Our good friend and ally Israel lives under a constant threat from Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The anti-Israel factions of the U.N. have predictably and disappointingly reverted to their blame-Israel-first mantra when the video evidence is strikingly clear that the 'humanitarians' on the one flotilla ship did not set sail with intentions as pure as the wind driven snow. This was confrontational and provocative. The United States has no greater friend in the Middle East, and it is important that we stand with our strategic and democratic ally in the face of sanctimonious international pressure."

Rep. William Delahunt (MA):

....It is absolutely essential that there be a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into the exact facts of the incident. I have instructed my staff to get a full report on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of two individuals reported to be constituents of mine....

Turkey, a close NATO ally of the United States, has long been a moderating force in the Middle East, and I thanked the President - and by extension the Turkish people - for Turkey's responsible leadership in the region.... In particular, Turkey has actively sought to promote peace between Israel and its neighbor Syria, and I urged that those efforts continue....The President and I agreed that continued strong U.S.-Turkish ties are essential and I pledged that I would do everything in my power to reinforce those bonds....

Rep. Jane Harman (CA):

"I join President Obama in expressing my deep sorrow at the loss of life aboard the Marmara, and hope for a speedy recovery for the wounded flotilla members and Israeli soldiers. However, until the facts of this complex and tragic episode are fully investigated and understood, it is premature to assess blame or call anyone a murderer. The focus now must be on preventing events from escalating and leading to more violence, or scuttling the peace process."

Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN):

While the world decries the actions of Israel, I think it's imperative that the United States stand strong with their ally. I support Israel's position to stop and inspect peace missions headed to Gaza for national security purposes and the U.S. should reiterate our support for Israel and stand by them throughout the peace process in the Middle East.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH):

The State of Israel's conduct, attacking a Turkish ship in international waters, constitutes an act of belligerence against Turkey, which at one time Israel considered an important ally. It also undermines United States’ troops efforts in Iraq....In its violent commando raid on the Mavi Marmara, the government of Israel showed no concern as to how its conduct may affect the lives of defenseless, innocent people, its friends and allies, and in particular the United States.

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA):

United States leadership in the Middle East must show a commitment to ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We urge you to take this tragedy as a catalyst to end the blockade on Gaza and to honor the dead and wounded on both sides by working to ensure a full, fair, and transparent investigation. Further, the United States should take immediate steps to ensure that this incident does not escalate into broader violence in the region.