Today marks one year since the horrific and brutal Oct. 7th attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, the hostages, including the Americans still in Gaza, and everyone who has been affected by the war and endured a year of unimaginable heartbreak, uncertainty, and fear.

Today, the entire region remains at a dangerously precipitous point. This war has caused an utterly devastating loss of life including innocent Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanese and American civilians who have been caught in the crossfire.

The U.S. stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and believes in Israel’s right to defend itself from continued threats and attacks on multiple fronts including most recently from Iran. A diplomatic, lasting resolution is desperately needed so the hostages can be returned to their families, more humanitarian aid can be delivered, and lives can be rebuilt. We need political will and a commitment to achieving stability in the Middle East. The U.S. must continue to work with regional leaders toward a lasting peace that allows for Palestinian self-determination along with security and safety for Israelis and the entire region.