Congressman Ron Paul condemns the violence in the Gaza Strip, saying the "collective punishment" against Palestinians is immoral. "Many innocent children are among the dead. While the shooting of rockets into Israel is inexcusable, the violent actions of some people in Gaza does not justify killing Palestinians on this scale," said the outspoken Republican.
Israel launched Operation Cast Lead on December 27 against Gaza to put an end to rocket attacks launched from the coastal enclave.
At least 888 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli operation, while some 3,700 others are reported wounded. At least 10 Israeli soldiers have died in the now 16-day onslaught.
Hamas, the democratically-elected ruler of the impoverished strip, demands a cessation of an 18-month Israeli blockade on Gaza before it stops rocket attacks on Israel.
The US Congress endorsed a resolution Friday to support Israel in its offensive in Gaza, "recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza."
Congressman Paul, however, says the resolution "clearly takes one side in a conflict that has nothing to do with the United States or US interests."
"At the very least, the U.S. Congress should not be loudly proclaiming its support for the Israeli government's actions in Gaza," Paul added.
The Israeli operation has entered its third week now, despite international calls and a UN Security Council resolution which urge an immediate end to the attacks against the densely-populated strip.