Denouncing the use of civilians as human shields by Hamas and other terrorist organizations in violation of international humanitarian law.

strongly condemns the brutal and illegal tactic by Hamas and other terrorist organizations of using innocent civilians as human shields;

calls on the international community to recognize the grave breaches of international law committed by Hamas in using human shields;

places responsibility for launching the rocket attacks on Hamas and other terrorist organizations, such as Islamic Jihad, in Gaza;

supports the sovereign right of the Government of Israel to defend its territory and stop the rocket attacks on its citizens;

expresses condolences to the families of the innocent victims on both sides of the conflict;

supports Palestinian civilians who reject Hamas and all forms of terrorism, desiring to live in peace with their Israeli neighbors; and

calls on Mahmoud Abbas to condemn the use of innocent civilians as human shields by Hamas and other terrorist organizations.