Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) appeared on CNN This Morning to address the recent terror attacks by Hamas in Israel and the ongoing conflict in the region. Rubio highlighted the tactics employed by Hamas, stating, "They attack Israel, they kill a bunch of Jews, and then they retreat back into Gaza. They hide behind human shields deliberately." He emphasized that Hamas uses civilians as shields and places them in harm's way, while they themselves seek refuge in tunnels and bunkers.

Rubio further expressed his concern about the pattern of violence perpetuated by Hamas. He stated, "They come back and kill more Jews again. That’s the pattern that continues to repeat itself." He pointed out the strategic manipulation by Hamas, whereby they provoke Israel into responding to their attacks, and then exploit the resulting casualties to generate international pressure on Israel.

He emphasized that Israel takes extraordinary measures to minimize civilian casualties and highlighted the stark contrast in values between Hamas and Israel. Rubio stated, "They don’t value any life, and they certainly don’t value the lives of their own people." He questioned the possibility of coexistence with an organization whose explicit goal is to eradicate the Jewish state and establish an Islamic government.

When asked about the potential for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, Rubio expressed skepticism. He highlighted the fundamental difference in objectives between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, stating, "Hamas exists for the express purpose of destroying Israel and eliminating the Jewish state." He emphasized that negotiating with an entity whose primary aim is one's destruction is not feasible.

Rubio also commented on the recent call by the Hamas leader for a "day of rage." He expressed his concern about the international response and the participation of individuals in the United States. He stated, "It’s disturbing to see Americans and people here in the U.S. in the streets marching in response to a call from the organization that just carried out these atrocities." He further highlighted the nervousness of neighboring countries, such as Jordan and Egypt, regarding potential unrest within their own borders.

Rubio acknowledged the complexity of the situation in the region, which spans thousands of years. He emphasized the need for Israel to address the threat posed by Hamas but also warned of the potential for a broader conflict involving other actors aligned with Hamas, such as Hezbollah and Iran. He stated, "This is a very dangerous, very volatile, very unpredictable situation."

In conclusion, Senator Marco Rubio's appearance on CNN This Morning provided insights into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He highlighted the tactics employed by Hamas, the challenges of negotiating with an entity that seeks one's destruction, and the concerns of neighboring countries regarding regional stability. The situation remains highly precarious, and the international community closely watches the developments in the region.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/icymi-rubio-joins-cnn-this-morning/