THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY MICCARELLI, BARRAR, BEAR, BEYER, BOYD, BOYLE, CAUSER, CUTLER, DENLINGER, DePASQUALE, FABRIZIO, FLECK, FREEMAN, GABLER, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GROVE, HENNESSEY, HESS, HUTCHINSON, KAUFFMAN, KORTZ, MARSICO, MENSCH, METCALFE, METZGAR, MOUL, MUNDY, MURT, MUSTIO, PETRI, READSHAW, REICHLEY, SAYLOR, SCHRODER, SIPTROTH, STERN, SWANGER, TRUE, WATSON AND CLYMER, JANUARY 27, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS, JANUARY 27, 2009  

A RESOLUTION

Expressing solidarity with Israel in its defense against

terrorism in the Gaza Strip. 

WHEREAS, The State of Israel is the chief ally of the United

States in the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, Palestinian terrorists of the Islamic Jihad and

Hamas in the Gaza Strip have recently fired hundreds of rockets

at civilian targets in southern Israel, ending a six-month cease

fire with Israel in declaration and in deed; and 

WHEREAS, During the six-month "state of calm," Israel allowed

the entrance of some 17,000 truckloads of humanitarian aid into

the Gaza Strip in full coordination with donor Arab countries

and international aid organizations, including the Red Cross;

and 

WHEREAS, During this same six-month period, 538 rockets and

mortars were launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip; and 

WHEREAS, The latest terrorist attacks took place only days

after the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution

1850, which unanimously declared support for the peace process

between the Palestinians and Israelis; and

WHEREAS, Israel's military operations are an effort to defend

its citizens against the unspeakable horrors of ongoing,

indiscriminate terrorism and are aimed at dismantling the

terrorist infrastructure; and 

WHEREAS, Hundreds of innocent Israeli and Palestinian

civilians have been tragically killed due to ongoing escalations

of violence initiated by Palestinian terrorist organizations;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, expressing solidarity with Israel

as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people,

remain committed to Israel's right to self-defense and support

additional United States assistance to help Israel defend

herself; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives condemn the

firing of rockets into civilian areas by the terrorist groups of

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all states

and parties in the Middle East to declare their opposition to

terrorism and attacks on civilians and to redouble efforts which

pursue a lasting peace in the Middle East.