Like many of my constituents, I have been horrified to see the devastating loss of life and suffering of innocent families and children during the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Biden Administration has worked tirelessly with Israel and regional partners to resolve this conflict, and yet, we continue to see a purposeful effort on the part of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to implement divisive politics and rhetoric, undermine democracy by elevating far-right extremist groups and their voices in the government, and preserve his own political power while continuing to inflict disproportionate and unrelenting harm on innocent civilians. The region must have another humanitarian pause that will allow for a surge of critical aid to suffering Gazans.
While I fully support Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas terrorists, the perpetrators of the appalling October 7th attack, I concur with President Biden’s reported sentiments that Israel risks losing global support unless Netanyahu ceases his indiscriminate bombing campaign. Military action by the Israel Defense Forces must be more narrowly targeted toward Hamas combatants, leadership, and military facilities while prioritizing the prevention of further innocent civilian loss of life. As the U.S. continues to support our ally Israel, I share grave concerns that the methods in which the war is being conducted may threaten the long-term stability and security of the region.
All parties involved must continue to work toward ending this devastating violence, with Hamas disarming and releasing the remaining hostages. Only then can the region get on a path toward peace with a comprehensive negotiated settlement.
We must also acknowledge that once the immediate conflict is resolved, the real work begins: Rebuilding Gaza and ensuring a path forward toward lasting peace. Ultimately, the only answer to the violence is a two-state solution which would see independent and democratic Jewish and Palestinian states living in peaceful coexistence with the support of the international community.
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