NEWARK, NJ – Despite protests by tens of thousands of Muslims worldwide celebrating the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker said today that Hamas does not represent Islam or the Palestinian people.
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker issued a strong condemnation of Hamas’ actions against Israel, emphasizing the disassociation between Hamas and the broader Islamic and Palestinian communities. He stressed the need for unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist acts committed by Hamas, including massacres, kidnappings, and attacks on Israeli civilians.
Booker said Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, however, the group, widely seen as a terrorist group, was voted into office by the Palestinian people in a 2006 election.
“Let me be clear: Hamas does not represent Islam; Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people nor their aspirations; Hamas does not represent humanity,” he said. “Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel and the gruesome massacre and kidnapping of civilians must be unequivocally condemned. Israel has a right to defend its people against Hamas’ brutality. Democracies are strongest when they lead with their values – during times of peace and times of war. As Israel responds to Hamas’ terror attacks, upholding the law of war and protecting civilians is paramount.”
Senator Booker affirmed Israel’s right to defend its citizens against Hamas’ aggression, urging the nation to uphold the law of war and prioritize civilian protection in its response. He called upon the global diplomatic community to unite in providing essential protection, medical care, and humanitarian assistance to the civilians in Gaza.
A significant part of this initiative includes the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure civilians can move to safer areas amid the conflict.