
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is postponing an economic development mission to Israel as a result of conflict between the country and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
O'Malley and a delegation from Maryland were scheduled to visit Israel, Jordan and Ramallah next week. The eight day trip was supposed to help develop relationships with Israeli companies and help attract companies to come to Maryland.
In a statement, O'Malley now says that after monitoring the situation, he's decided to reschedule. He says he does not want the trip to be a distraction from what he calls the "urgent cause of peace."
O'Malley says he is joining Israeli and Palestinian neighbors in praying for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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