(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The deadly incursion by Hamas militants into Israel and Israel’s counterstrike in Gaza are drawing emotional reactions in the Chicago region.
“We have the basic responsibility of defending our citizens. They have the basic right for life,” Yinam Cohen, consul general of Israel to the Midwest in Chicago, said Saturday. “For the short term, our major goal right now is to make sure that all of our community are safe.”
Dozens of Hamas militants broke out of the blockaded Gaza Strip and into nearby Israeli towns, killing dozens and abducting others in an unprecedented surprise early morning attack. A stunned Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza, with its prime minister saying the country is now at war with Hamas and vowing to inflict an “unprecedented price.”
Hundreds were reported dead on both sides.
Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the United States Palestinian Community Network-Chicago, said for Palestinians, it’s a fight against oppression.
“Palestinian people for 100 years have been colonized by white, European settlers. For almost 60 years [they] have been under illegal military occupation in the West Bank, in Jerusalem, in Gaza,” he said.
President Biden on Saturday said the United States recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself.
Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky was among the Jewish members of the House who expressed similar sentiment.
“Hamas has declared war on Israel and her people,” she said in a statement.
The United States Palestinian Community Network said they plan to hold a rally Sunday, afternoon outside the Israeli Consulate in Chicago.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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