ZOA President: Gaza’s Loss Of Self-Governance Justifies Israeli Security Steps Against Hamas Threat
Morton Klein asserts Gazans surrendered self-determination by supporting Hamas, says Israel’s actions are lawful and necessary for national defense
(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.
Responding to rising criticism of Israel’s actions, ZOA and Klein maintained that occupation is not motivated by conquest but by the imperative to halt terror and protect Israeli families living near Gaza’s borders. “Israel’s actions are a necessary step to defend its people against continued rocket attacks and the persistent threat of terror from Hamas-controlled Gaza,” Klein concluded.
Advocating a clear pro-Israel stance, the ZOA called for the global community to recognize Israel’s security needs and the realities imposed by years of Hamas-sponsored violence and Gazan support for terror. The organization reaffirmed that the only pathway to true peace is the removal of Hamas and the restoration of Israeli security from its southern frontier.
This article was originally published in the J.CA and can be viewed here.