Washington, D.C., July 25, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) released a statement Friday in response to the increased violence in Israel and Gaza:

“Israel has every right not to live in the shadow of Hamas rocket fire and I support their right to defend their nation and citizens against Hamas aggression,” said Schweikert. “We need to look at who is accountable for this violence and Israel is in the best position to answer this question.”

“Hamas is violating all of civil society’s principles by storing rockets in schools and civilian homes and using their own children as human shields. Further, Hamas employs a strategy that puts civilians directly in the line of fire, while Israel takes every necessary precaution to limit civilian death.”

“At the end of the day, loss of life, whether Palestinian or Israeli is heartbreaking. I hope to see an end to this tragic situation.”

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BACKGROUND: Rep. David Schweikert is a long time supporter of Israel and its independence and agrees with the United Nations sentiment condemning the Hamas use of human shields in recent attacks.

 Schweikert is an original cosponsor of H. Res. 657, which expresses the United States’ support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization. The entire Resolution can be read here.