January 6th:
I believe the international community must press for an immediate cease-fire. A cease-fire would allow humanitarian assistance to be delivered most effectively and facilitate the revitalization of the peace process.
I also believe that the United States has been dis-engaged from this process for far too long. President-elect Obama should indicate that he will appoint a Special Envoy to the region to revitalize stalled peace negotiations and to demonstrate the United States' commitment to finding a long-term two-state solution.
Every nation, including Israel, has the right to defend itself from attack. Hamas's continued rocket attacks against Israeli civilians are unacceptable. Hamas should have agreed to extend the recently expired cease-fire. They must also recognize Israel's right to exist and drop their objection to negotiate a two-state solution.
January 9th:
Mr. Speaker, I will vote in support of H. Res. 34, the Gaza Conflict Resolution. Certainly, everyone recognizes Israel's legitimate right to defend itself, the need for a ceasefire, and the demand that Hamas stop its rocket attacks against Israel, recognize the right of Israel to exist, and join the rest of the Palestinian people in negotiations with Israel to reach agreement on a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict and establish peace for all the peoples of the region. Earlier this month, I issued a statement outlining these same key concerns.
However, I would like to clearly express my frustration and dissatisfaction with what has not been included in this resolution.
I strongly believe the resolution should have included and expressed support for the concerns raised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and United Nations field staff on the ground inside Gaza about potential violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) by both parties. I am particularly concerned about potential violations of IHL by Israel because I am such a strong supporter of Israel.
I am also disappointed that the resolution did not reference the resolution passed by the U.N. Security Council on January 8th, calling for an immediate ceasefire. While the UNSC resolution is flawed by its failure to condemn Hamas rocket attacks, it is an important call for a cessation of hostilities, which H. Res. 34 also demands.
Finally, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the increasing toll on Israeli and Gazan citizens as this most recent escalation in the conflict over Gaza continues. Military operations must stop; the rocket attacks must stop; and all regional and international actors must engage Hamas and Israel to agree to a durable and verifiable cessation of hostilities.
