A few select quotes from the longer version below:
"Simple humanity demands that we grieve for the dead Palestinian child as much as we mourn the dead Israeli child." Lois Capps (D-CA), December 29, 2008
As Americans, we too have a strong interest in ensuring peace, stability, and security in the Middle East and that is why I am committed to supporting active American diplomacy in the region, working together with partners in the international community, from the earliest days of President-elect Obama's administration. America should not sit on the sidelines, as we are doing today -- this does a disservice to our own national interests and security and is unhelpful in bringing stability and security to Israel and the Middle East."
Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), January 2, 2009
The escalation of violence leaves both parties less secure and with a deeper desire to seek revenge. I believe the following actions must be taken at once if peace and security are to be achieved," Strong diplomatic intervention by the United States, the European Union (EU), the United Nations, and Russia (the "Quartet") is necessary to restore the ceasefire that existed before this latest violence...The Israeli and Egyptian borders must be opened at once to allow the innocent civilians caught in this violence to seek refuge, and for the flow of food, water and medical supplies into Gaza. Those individuals fleeing the bombing should be allowed to cross borders without harassment by any country...The toll on human life is already enormous -- The casualties include many non-combatants such as United Nations personnel, and children. If the Israeli Defense Forces engage in a ground offensive, as they have said they will, untold casualties will surely follow...I have been to Sderot, Israel and I have seen firsthand both the physical and emotional destruction caused by the rocket attacks. Israeli citizens living near the Gaza border have been repeatedly harassed daily. At the same time, life for the people of Gaza has become increasingly unliveable -- Inflammatory rhetoric and aggressive actions must stop on both sides. Political one up-manship for the next Israeli election should not be carried out at the expense of the innocent in Gaza. All parties should do everything possible to resume dialogue and negotiations with the goal of restoring and maintaining a lasting peace and security.
History has shown that ground troops and air strikes have not resolved conflict in the Middle East...If we truly want peace for the citizens of Israel and Gaza, then we will understand that the ability to eradicate the extreme elements fomenting war will be done so with jobs, food, water, medical supplies, schools, books -- and not bombs. The United States government must play and active role in pursuing real peace with security in the Middle East. I add my voice to those members of the U.N. who have called for an end to the violence of this past week. I agree with those who demand strict observance of international humanitarian law, which must be observed immediately and without exception.
Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN)
“Today I sent a letter to Secretary General Ban ki-Moon urging the United Nations to establish an independent inquiry of Israel's war against Gaza. The attacks on civilians represent collective punishment, which is a violation of Article 33 of the
Fourth Geneva Convention here The perpetrators of attacks against Israel must also be brought to justice, but Israel cannot create a war against an entire people in order to attempt to bring to justice the few who are responsible. The Israeli leaders know better. The world community, which has been very supportive of Israel's right to security and its right to survive, also has a right to expect Israel to conduct itself in adherence to the very laws which support the survival of Israel and every other nation,”
Dennis Kucinich D-Ohio - November 29, 2008
Mistaken assumptions and lessons left unlearned seem to guide each of the protagonists down a course that is at odds with the long-term interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.--We can't help but lament another cycle of retributive violence -- for the terrible toll it takes on both sides and because we know it is not the way forward. Yet exasperation and passivity are indulgences that the United States and the world can ill afford.
Congressman David Price (D-NC), January 6, 2009 - op-ed in The Miami Herald and The Charlotte Observer
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Congressional Statements in Support of Cease-Fire Longer Version
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), December 30, 2008
Oregonians have long watched the momentous changes in the Middle East with hope and concern. One fundamental lesson has emerged: without political processes that aim for peace, violent events and the acts of extremists can overpower the desire of people across the region to live in security.
With daily rocket attacks ever deeper into Israel and hundreds already killed in what Israel calls the start of a multi-stage offensive, forceful U.S. diplomatic re-engagement to support peace is critical. Yet, nearly a decade of failed Bush policies has left America in a weakened position abroad. I was particularly discouraged that the U.S. did not try to broker an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas or improve the humanitarian situation on the ground. An out-of-touch U.S. leadership has made America, Israel, and the region less safe.
The Bush administration should use its remaining days to renew our commitment to this region and forcefully advocate for a path towards peace. Although a secure Israel and an independent Palestinian state living side by side seems less likely at the moment, I have high hopes that the new Obama administration will exhibit a strong reversal of course and re-engage the region. To make this path ready I strongly urge all parties to usher in the New Year with a renewed ceasefire agreement. We must continue to work for a peace process that recognizes the legitimate needs of both Israelis and Palestinians. This is the only hope for a better future.
Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA), December 29, 2008
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA – Congresswoman Lois Capps today released the following statement regarding the recent violence in Israel:
"Obviously, Israel has the absolute right to defend itself from Hamas terrorists and other threats to its security. The ongoing rocket attacks on Israel are unacceptable and must be stopped. However, I fear the current military operation in Gaza represents a vastly disproportionate response that will further destabilize the region.
"Simple humanity demands that we grieve for the dead Palestinian child as much as we mourn the dead Israeli child. The numbers of dead and injured in Gaza, and the televised images of the humanitarian crisis now unfolding are truly shocking. And while this renewed state of war is clearly a tragedy for the Palestinian people, it will also bring a renewed state of fear in Israel because the threat of another wave of suicide bombing in Israeli cities is all too real.
"As a Member of Congress strongly dedicated to Israel's security, I believe an immediate ceasefire is necessary. And since this eruption of violence in Gaza is so clearly detrimental to U.S. national interests, I call upon both President Bush and President-elect Obama to use their influence to push both sides to stop shooting and renew the ceasefire."
Senator Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT), January 3, 2009
"I fully support Israel's right to defend itself from rockets aimed at innocent Israeli civilians, fired by Hamas militants in Gaza. Hamas must end its support for and involvement in terrorist attacks against Israel. But there is no military solution to the conflict. I support the efforts of the Bush Administration to press both sides to accept an interim truce, and I am committed to working with the Obama Administration in using all of America's diplomatic might to bring both sides to the negotiating table so that Israelis and Palestinians can finally live side by side in peace."
Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), January 2, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) released the following statement regarding the violence in Gaza.
"I am deeply disturbed by this week's escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, as I have been by the ongoing rocket fire into southern Israel. To support Israel and to ease the humanitarian crisis facing the people of Gaza, the United States must work actively for an immediate ceasefire that ends the violence, stops the rockets, and removes the blockade of Gaza."
"Israel has a right to protect its citizens, but I remain convinced that military measures have only a limited role to play -- a political and diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the only way to stop the violence permanently and bring long-term stability to the region. As Americans, we too have a strong interest in ensuring peace, stability, and security in the Middle East and that is why I am committed to supporting active American diplomacy in the region, working together with partners in the international community, from the earliest days of President-elect Obama's administration. America should not sit on the sidelines, as we are doing today -- this does a disservice to our own national interests and security and is unhelpful in bringing stability and security to Israel and the Middle East."
Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN)
Congressman Keith Ellison called on both Israel and Hamas to halt the renewed escalation of violence in Gaza. "Over 380 casualties have already been reported," Ellison stated.(over 600 deaths and over 1000 injured as of this posting!)"The escalation of violence leaves both parties less secure and with a deeper desire to seek revenge. I believe the following actions must be taken at once if peace and security are to be achieved," Ellison stated:
Strong diplomatic intervention by the United States, the European Union (EU), the United Nations, and Russia (the "Quartet") is necessary to restore the ceasefire that existed before this latest violence. The Quartet should act quickly and decisively to bring all parties to the negotiating table and establish a durable ceasefire.
The Israeli and Egyptian borders must be opened at once to allow the innocent civilians caught in this violence to seek refuge, and for the flow of food, water and medical supplies into Gaza. Those individuals fleeing the bombing should be allowed to cross borders without harassment by any country.
The toll on human life is already enormous -- over 380 reported killed thus far. The casualties include many non-combatants such as United Nations personnel, and children. If the Israeli Defense Forces engage in a ground offensive, as they have said they will, untold casualties will surely follow. Hamas has already responded to a likely ground assault with the following beligerent defiance: 'It would be easier to dry the sea of Gaza than to defeat the resistance and uproot Hamas, which is in every house of Gaza.' The escalation of violence is destructive and counterproductive to efforts underway to achieve peace and stability in the region. It is time for sanity to prevail. The international community must step forward to establish a ceasefire (as the French have offered.)
I have been to Sderot, Israel and I have seen firsthand both the physical and emotional destruction caused by the rocket attacks. Israeli citizens living near the Gaza border have been repeatedly harassed daily. At the same time, life for the people of Gaza has become increasingly unliveable -- with shortages of food, fuel and basic medical supplies. The 1.4 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip exist in a state of dreadful isolation, cut off from the world, often including the world's media. Earlier this year the people of Gaza broke through the walls separating Gaza and Egypt simply to purchase groceries. Provisions should be made immediately to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and lessen civilian suffering.
Inflammatory rhetoric and aggressive actions must stop on both sides. Political one up-manship for the next Israeli election should not be carried out at the expense of the innocent in Gaza. All parties should do everything possible to resume dialogue and negotiations with the goal of restoring and maintaining a lasting peace and security.
History has shown that ground troops and air strikes have not resolved conflict in the Middle East. If we try to resolve conflict with military might and nothing else, then we will be no safer than we were before. Diplomacy is necessary to save lives and yield a lasting peace with security. If we truly want peace for the citizens of Israel and Gaza, then we will understand that the ability to eradicate the extreme elements fomenting war will be done so with jobs, food, water, medical supplies, schools, books -- and not bombs. The United States government must play and active role in pursuing real peace with security in the Middle East.
I add my voice to those members of the U.N. who have called for an end to the violence of this past week. I agree with those who demand s trict observance of international humanitarian law, which must be observed immediately and without exception.
Ellison called on the Bush Administration to act immediately and forcefully to exercise all diplomatic channels possible to stop the violence. "If the President does not act now, more lives will be lost and the hatred and enmity will deepen," Ellison stated. "That will be President Bush's legacy," Ellison added.
"If the Bush Administration chooses to passively ignore the renewed violence during the waning days of their time in office, then I fully expect to work with President-elect Obama in actively, aggressively, and with full purpose, engaging all parties in the pursuit of both a lasting peace, and a secure future. Nothing less is acceptable," Ellison concluded.
Congressman Barney Frank (D-VT), December 31, 2008
“It is important to remember that the current conflict in Gaza comes after a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from that area. Tragically, this was followed by a takeover by Hamas, which is dedicated to Israel’s destruction, and has constantly used Gaza as a base for physical attacks on Israel and Israelis.
This use of Gaza as a base from which to attack Israel left Israel with no choice except self defense, particularly after Hamas refused to continue the imperfectly observed ceasefire, and made clear its intention to resume attacks.
As it exercises this right of self defense, it is important for Israel to make clear its willingness to accept a genuine ceasefire - meaning an end to attacks from Gaza, and also Israel’s continuing commitment to a two state solution negotiated with Palestinians genuinely committed to that goal.”
Congressman Dennis Kucinich, December 29, 2008
“Today I sent a letter to Secretary General Ban ki-Moon urging the United Nations to establish an independent inquiry of Israel's war against Gaza. The attacks on civilians represent collective punishment, which is a violation of Article 33 of the
Fourth Geneva Convention (http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/92.htm). The perpetrators of attacks against Israel must also be brought to justice, but Israel cannot create a war against an entire people in order to attempt to bring to justice the few who are responsible. The Israeli leaders know better. The world community, which has been very supportive of Israel's right to security and its right to survive, also has a right to expect Israel to conduct itself in adherence to the very laws which support the survival of Israel and every other nation,” Kucinich said.
“Israel is leveling Gaza to strike at Hamas, just as they pulverized south Lebanon to strike at Hezbollah. Yet in both cases civilian populations were attacked, countless innocents killed or injured, infrastructure targeted and destroyed, and civil law enforcement negated. All this was, and is, disproportionate, indiscriminate mass violence in violation of international law. Israel is not exempt from international law and must be held accountable. It is time for the UN to not just call for a cease-fire, but for an inquiry as to Israel's actions.”
According to published news reports, since the commencement of aerial strikes, over 300 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 1,400 have been wounded. The dead include 20 children under the age of 16--nearly half of them killed while on a school bus, according to the United Nations--and 9 women. The attack aggravated a humanitarian crisis wrought by the Israeli-imposed blockade of food, fuel, and medical supplies. With a population of 1.5 million people, the Gaza Strip is among the most densely populated territories in the world."
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), December 31, 2008
ST.PAUL MINNESOTA – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement in response to the Gaza crisis and the lethal attacks by Hamas and Israel: “The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is the final blow to any Middle East peace process. Palestinians are being killed in alarming numbers while Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israel.
“The time has come for both sides to end the rockets, end the bombings, and end the restrictions on food, medicine and fuel – all of which inflict intolerable harm on innocent civilians on both sides.
“The new U.S. president, in partnership with European and Arab allies, must work to leverage all available diplomatic and political pressure on all parties to end the violence and start a legitimate dialogue about a future path to real peace.”
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State Department and Foreign Operations and the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs.
Congressman John W. Olver (D-MA), December 31, 2008
"With grave concern I have been following the latest developments in the Gaza Strip. The people of Israel have a right to be safe in their homes and daily lives. I strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself as well as the right of Palestinians to realize a viable and sustainable state -- I call upon the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the broader international community to secure an immediate and lengthy cease-fire and encourage both sides to begin serious negotiations to avoid repetition of this latest round of violence--
Right now, immediate humanitarian assistance—especially food and medical supplies—is needed for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. In the future, the United States must lead the effort towards achieving a permanent and sustainable peace agreement; only then will Israelis and Palestinians be able to live in peace and security."
"For observers of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict committed to a peaceful and lasting two-state resolution, the conflict in Gaza brings the temptation to throw one's hands in the air in despair. Mistaken assumptions and lessons left unlearned seem to guide each of the protagonists down a course that is at odds with the long-term interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.--We can't help but lament another cycle of retributive violence -- for the terrible toll it takes on both sides and because we know it is not the way forward. Yet exasperation and passivity are indulgences that the United States and the world can ill afford.
Congressman David Price (D-NC), January 6, 2009 - op-ed in The Miami Herald and The Charlotte Observer
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