Following Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Floor speech on Israel today, Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Mark Mellman released the following statement:

“While we do not agree with everything in Leader Schumer’s speech, we thank him for reminding the country, and the world, that Israel is a democracy and has a right to defend itself. He spoke clearly about Hamas’ unspeakable evil, of their responsibility for civilian casualties in Gaza, and of the need to dismantle Hamas so they no longer play any role in Gaza.

“Leader Schumer reiterated that ‘a permanent ceasefire, effective immediately, would only allow Hamas to regroup and launch further attacks on Israeli civilians.’

“He criticized the media and protestors who ‘ignore Hamas’ role in the conflict’ and their responsibility for civilian casualties, labeling them ‘unfair, one-sided and deliberately manipulative.’

“The Majority Leader also spoke plainly about the need to get more aid to Gaza’s civilians and do as much as possible to preserve civilian lives, while reiterating his support for a two-state solution.”

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