Senate passes resolution in support of Israel's Gaza strikes

With the Palestinian death toll in Gaza passing 700 and conditions an on-the-ground doctor calls “the closest you come to a massacre,” the United States Senate has passed a non-binding resolution expressing “unwavering” support for Israel and its air and ground strikes on Gaza. With bipartisan sponsors, the resolution, which passed on a voice vote, states Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks and urges George W. Bush’s administration to pursue a ceasefire with both sides. (The House is expected to pass a similar resolution.)

Co-sponsor and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-Kentucky) said the Israelis “are responding exactly the same way we would.”

So far, 11 Israelis have reportedly been killed by rockets fired from Gaza.