Ted Cruz thrashes media for coverage that 'rewards Hamas for its barbaric tactics'

On Tuesday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas released a statement announcing his support for Israel after a barrage of rockets were fired at the Jewish state by Palestinian terrorists on the Gaza Strip. Cruz condemned the attacks and criticized the media's pro-Hamas slant.

I unequivocally stand with Israel and support Israel’s actions to defend itself. The media must cease its mendacious coverage blaming Israel for Gaza violence, which rewards Hamas for its barbaric tactics. Hamas and other terror groups in the Gaza Strip must be defeated.

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) May 29, 2018

The Times of Israel reports that "Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist groups" jointly took credit for rocket salvos and mortar rounds that were launched at Israel for hours. The Israelis launched retaliatory strikes, bombarding "dozens" of defensive positions held by the terrorists and destroying a tunnel that passed from the Gaza Strip through Egypt and into Israel, according to Israeli army officials.