Maine lawmakers condemn attack on Israel

By Spectrum News Staff Maine

PUBLISHED 10:29 AM ET Oct. 09, 2023 PUBLISHED October 9, 2023 @10:29 AM

Members of Maine’s congressional delegation are condemning the attack over the weekend by Hamas on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip.

Maine’s senior senator, Susan Collins, a Republican, said the U.S. stands with Israel.

“I condemn the horrific, coordinated attacks against Israel by the terrorist group Hamas,” Collins stated. “Thousands of rockets have targeted Israeli cities, killing and injuring Israeli civilians. The United States stands with Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East, as it defends its citizens against Iranian-backed terrorists who have demonstrated no interest in peace.”

Israel is in a state of war after a surprise series of strikes from Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. Israel has responded with airstrikes and by blockading the territory. Hundreds of people have died in the conflict.

First District Representative Chellie Pingree condemned the attack by Hamas as unprovoked and unacceptable. She called on the nation to stand beside the Israeli people.

I am horrified by the attacks against the Israeli people and condemn them unequivocally. This unprovoked violence is unacceptable. Today the United States must stand beside the Israeli people on this difficult day and in the days to come.
— Congresswoman Chellie Pingree 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 (@chelliepingree) October 7, 2023

The strongest condemnation so far has come from Second District Representative Jared Golden, who called the attack blatant terrorism.

“Hamas has proved once again it has no wish to live in peace,” Golden stated. “Its incursion into Israel is blatant terrorism that must not be tolerated. Israel is the sole democracy in the Middle East and our closest ally in that region.”