U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas, the U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, and to call for de-escalation in the region.

I rise today as millions of Israeli citizens are reeling from a barrage of more than 1,500 rockets fired throughout the country by the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza.

In case there is any confusion: Hamas is a terrorist organization designated by the United States, dedicated to the destruction of Israel, and which Congress has—and must—condemn for killing innocent civilians, and using women and children as human shields.

No one here should make excuses for a terrorist organization.

Who is the next object of their sympathy? ISIS? Al-Qaeda? Hezbollah?

Even though we may not always agree about Israel’s policies, we should be very clear that nothing—nothing—justifies a terrorist organization firing rockets at our ally. And between terrorists and a democracy, we should always choose the democracy.

Our commitment to Israel’s security, and to its right to defend itself from terrorists, is ironclad.

I am glad that President Biden, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense have stood with our key democratic ally, insisted that Hamas stop firing rockets, and engaged regional partners to help end this crisis. No matter our disagreements, there should be no false equivalences or excuses made by anyone, on behalf of a foreign terrorist organization.

As we stand together with our historic ally Israel, we continue to call for an end to the violence and for calm in the region—for the sake of children and families, and for the sake of peace.

Thank you, and I yield back.