“Israel Has Right to Defend Herself”

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement today after a second “humanitarian” flotilla aimed to circumvent Israel’s naval blockade and reach the Gaza Strip.
 
“I strongly support Israel’s right to defend herself against Hamas and other terrorist groups. Israel’s blockade of Gaza is a necessary measure to prevent Hamas from stockpiling weapons, including rockets that have been used to kill innocent Israeli civilians.  Their blockade does not interfere with the flow of humanitarian aid. In fact, Israel transfers over 10,000 tons of humanitarian supplies a week into Gaza, including food, clothing, and medicine.”

“The purpose of these so-called ‘freedom flotillas’ is to provoke a confrontation with Israel.  Unfortunately, that purpose was achieved with the first flotilla incident.  News that a second flotilla is trying to break Israel’s blockade is disappointing.  According to reports, Israel has already offered to direct the ship to an Israeli port, where the supplies would be unloaded, inspected and transferred to Gaza by land, but those offers were rejected.  The reason for the rejection is obvious: The flotillas are designed to violate Israel’s sovereignty; not to provide aid to the needy.  Israel has the right to board this ship and to maintain its blockade.”