Email from Zionist Organization of America   ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA IN THE MEDIA       ZOA Highlighted on Gaza Issue in San Fran’s J.CA Intl. Jewish News Morton Klein asserts Gazans surrendered self-determination by supporting Hamas, says Israel’s actions are lawful and necessary for national defense. The Zionist Organization of America contends Israel’s renewed presence in Gaza is a legitimate response to years of rocket attacks, failed truces, and Hamas-backed terror. (Photo: Unsplash.) "The Arab-Muslim residents of Gaza abdicated their right to self-governance and self-determination when they enabled and empowered Hamas to seize control of the Gaza Strip and turn it into a base for terror against Israel, stated ZOA President Morton Klein." (August 7, 2025 / The J.CA) The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) asserted that Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza after years of conflict is a justified and necessary measure to protect Israeli citizens from continued Hamas terror. In a statement, ZOA National President Morton “Mort” Klein argued that the Arab-Muslim residents of Gaza abandoned their claim to self-determination and self-governance when they empowered Hamas to seize the territory and launch ongoing attacks against Israel. “The Arab-Muslim residents of Gaza abdicated their right to self-governance and self-determination when they enabled and empowered Hamas to seize control of the Gaza Strip and turn it into a base for terror against Israel. Since 2005, the people of Gaza have allowed, supported, and celebrated Hamas rule, during which over 35,000 rockets have been launched at innocent Israeli civilians.” The ZOA emphasized that large segments of Gaza’s population publicly celebrated atrocities, including the 9/11 attacks in the United States and the massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023. Klein recalled how civilians in Gaza “celebrated both the 9/11 attacks … and the October 7 massacre,” which he described as reminiscent of Nazi horrors. He added, “More than 250 Israelis were also kidnapped, tortured, and many murdered in a fashion reminiscent of Nazi atrocities.” Following two years of war and unsuccessful peace initiatives, Klein supported Israel’s move to occupy Gaza as a step aligning with the Trump administration’s stated vision to dislodge Hamas, with the possibility of relocating Gaza’s population to neighboring Arab countries as a path to ending the threat. “This plan aligns with the Trump administration’s vision to remove Hamas control and potentially relocate Gaza’s Arab population to one, or some, of the 22 Arab-Muslim countries.” The ZOA cited precedents in international law, referencing the San Remo Resolution and Article 80 of the United Nations Charter, as grounds for Israel’s right to defend itself and exercise authority in lands historically part of Palestine. Klein contended, “The San Remo Resolution and Article 80 of the UN Charter prohibit the transfer of rights over any part of historic Palestine to a non-Jewish entity.” ZOA maintains these legal arguments despite increasing international opposition and contested interpretations by global bodies and courts. Continue Reading   Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email   DONATE   www.zoa.org   Copyright © Zionist Organization of America 2025. All rights reserved. Zionist Organization of America | 633 Third Ave 31 B | New York, NY 10017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice