WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today issued the following statement: “The issue is Israel's right to self-defense,” Roberts said. “The people of Gaza have only the terrorist organization Hamas to blame for the current hostilities and only Hamas can end this conflict by stopping the daily barrage of rocket fire into Israel. “

Any ceasefire must be based on conditions that allow Israelis to live without the fear of daily attacks. That message should be clear both to Hamas and their sponsor, Iran.”

Senator Roberts, a former Marine, was Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 2003-2006. -30-