Blunt Rochester Statement Calling for Mutual, Long-Term Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas
Washington,
March 8, 2024
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Maya Valentine
(302-299-8116)
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) released the following statement calling for a mutual, long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas:
“Since October 7th, the extreme loss of life among Israelis and Palestinians has been horrific. The ongoing death and destruction in Gaza shocks the conscience and is simply untenable. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, we must move swiftly to end the violence and this war.
“After very careful and prayerful deliberation and countless discussions with Delawareans across the state, I have come to the conclusion that the only way forward is a long-term ceasefire in which both the Israeli military and Hamas simultaneously and immediately end the violence. I am so thankful to all the Delawareans who have been sharing their voices and their vulnerability with me, whether it be in-person or through phone calls or letters to my office.
“I have always maintained that Israel has a right to exist and defend itself and its citizens and I will continue to stand by these words. Make no mistake- the barbaric terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th were despicable and I’ve condemned them. I have stood by the Biden Administration as it has attempted to provide the Israeli government with the appropriate support and guidance in an effort to bring Hamas to justice and ensure Gaza has new self-determined leadership, protect civilian lives, and release the Israeli and American hostages still in Gaza.
“However, I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken advantage of the United States’ partnership, waging a brutal war that has killed innocent civilians in Gaza. Although Hamas intentionally hides themselves amongst innocent civilians, I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu has not sufficiently prioritized sparing innocent Palestinian lives in his pursuit of Hamas, resulting in reports of over 30,000 deaths. This is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
“We must continue to press for a permanent two-state solution. Israel and the Jewish people have a right to live in peace and I believe the U.S. government should continue to support them in their mission to do so. I also believe the Palestinian people have a right to their own sovereignty in Gaza and the West Bank – a goal that the U.S. government and regional partners are helping to realize by working to significantly reform the Palestinian Authority.
“One of the core tenants of why I ran for Congress in the first place was to promote peace – peace within our communities and peace throughout the world. It is my hope that the U.S. can play a leading role in building long-lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East and beyond.
“To see innocent women and children suffering and to see so many families’ lives shattered as a result of this war compels each of us to play our part in calling for an immediate end to this violence. History is watching us.”
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