US House of Representatives
voted to endorse a resolution backing Israel in its offensive in Gaza, in which at least 780 Palestinians have been killed
The body passed Friday's resolution "recognising Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza" by 390 votes to five.
humanitarian situation in Gaza "is becoming more acute
Keith Ellison, the only Muslim member of US congress, was among the 22 members of the House who voted "present"
which means that they voted neither in favour or against the resolution
I believe every country in the world has the right to defend itself
I cannot vote for this resolution because it barely mentions the human suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza
In 2004, the body voted to support a statement by George Bush, the US president, that it was "unrealistic" to expect Israel to return completely to its pre-1967 borders.
unwavering commitment" to Israel
clipped from: english.aljazeera.net 