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. "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 Ellison, January 9, 2009

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today torn about this resolution. Though I welcome resolutions by the Congress to express support for the people of Israel and Gaza at this difficult time, this resolution does not do enough to move towards a stable and durable peace in the Middle East.

I feel that I cannot vote against the resolution, because I believe every country has a right to defend itself. I have been to Sderot, and I have seen firsthand both the physical and emotional destruction caused by the rockets.

Last fall I voted for a resolution specifically condemning the rocket attacks into Israel. However, I feel I cannot vote for this resolution either, because it does not sufficiently address the human suffering by Palestinians in Gaza. Over 750 people have been killed, 250 of them children, 50 of them women, with over 3,000 people injured.

Mosques have been bombed, schools as well. Even before the recent military operation, life for the people in Gaza has become increasingly unlivable under a crushing blockade. The Red Cross has been obstructed, 800,000 people without water, 1 million people without electricity.

That is why I intend to vote ``present'' today. Hopefully we can urge this Congress to not simply declare its support of its ally, but will actually move its ally and the rest of the region toward a more durable, sustainable, final solution to this conflict.

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. No one will be. Diplomacy is necessary to save lives and yield a lasting peace with security.

The United States must play a more active role in pursuing real peace in the Middle East.

Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA)

"The cycle of violence we're seeing in the Middle East is heart-wrenching. While no one disputes Israel's right to protect its people, escalating violence only feeds the death and despair of the region. A ceasefire is in the best interest of the United States and both parties involved and must be the immediate goal of the global community.

"This latest spasm of violence in Gaza is an unmistakable signal that the policy of disengagement adopted by the Bush administration is an utter failure. The U.S. government must re-engage in the Middle East peace process, providing the active and constructive diplomacy necessary for both short- and long-term peace.

"It has become clear that political will alone cannot create the peace that so many Palestinians and Israelis hope for. As with so many other conflicts around the world, this enduring struggle is rooted in a culture of poverty and misery. We must shatter that history of anguish if these two states are to live side by side."

Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) January 6, 2009

"This is madness what's going on. There's got to be an immediate cease fire, and then hopefully a true negotiated peace.”

"Only the United States can get in there and negotiate with both sides and I hope Mr. Obama does."

Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), 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 Mike Honda (D-CA) January 9, 2009

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my comments on H. Res. 34, a resolution which reaffirms our commitment to Israel and its right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza and Hamas.

I have always been a strong supporter of Israel, and consider myself a good friend to Israel. Israel's right to exist as a country is unquestionable in my mind, and I support its right to defend itself from those who would do harm to its people.

I also strongly support a durable and sustainable cease-fire in Gaza, and support a resolution to the conflict through diplomacy and negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. I have consistently supported efforts to increase peacemaking efforts in the region, including asking the President to appoint a special envoy to the Middle East.

For these important reasons, I voted in favor of H. Res. 34. This resolution rightly reiterates our support for the safety, security, and welfare of Israel. However, Madam Speaker, H. Res. 34 is not perfect, and my vote for it today is not unequivocal. The resolution does not adequately address the civilian casualties in Gaza, or the worsening humanitarian situation there. The world has a responsibility to join together to help solve this crisis. I also hope that the incoming Administration will turn this hope into reality.

The human consequence of this violence has taken a tragic toll on Gaza civilians, where access to basic humanitarian needs is limited, and dangerous. Some reports by the International Committee of the Red Cross describe the movement of ambulances and aid workers as extremely difficult, and attribute that difficulty to Israel's restrictions. In addition to this challenge, existing hospitals are running out of fuel, power, and supplies to treat victims.

We are right to support Israel's right to defend itself, but we must not forget that innocent Gaza civilians are living under harsh, even desperate, conditions right now. Both the Israeli and Palestinian people deserve to live a life free of the threat of attack or psychological fear. It has always been my hope that our involvement in the region may be used to improve the lives of the people affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Once again, Madam Speaker, my vote in favor of H. Res. 34 reflects my strong support for Israel, but the severe humanitarian plight of Gaza civilians is something we must not ignore.

Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) January 9, 2009

"Madam Speaker, I am voting for H. Res. 34, which expresses vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of the State of Israel.  The indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas are an unacceptable assault on Israel’s citizens and her sovereignty.  Like all nations in the world, Israel has the right and responsibility to respond in self-defense.  The United States has a responsibility to stand with Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East, during this crisis.

At the same time, the United States has a responsibility to ensure that the humanitarian needs in Gaza are being addressed promptly and responsibly.  The present resolution, H. Res. 34, is not so clear on that.  The United States should have done more to ensure that they were being met even before the recent fighting, just as the United States should have done more to stop the mortars and rockets fired from Gaza over recent years.  I am troubled deeply by reports that the humanitarian situation, bad as it has been, continues to deteriorate.  Israel must make every effort to protect the innocent and prevent the destruction of civilian communities.  All parties must work as quickly as possible to enact a durable and sustainable ceasefire that will allow for a lasting improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and for the long-term security of Israel.

It is critical to recognize that even a durable and sustainable ceasefire is only a temporary solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  We should remember that extremism incubates in societies afflicted with poverty, hopelessness, and humiliation.  We must work tirelessly to diminish the appeal and influence of terrorists by lifting up all of those trapped in these conditions.  It is equally necessary that we continue to assist moderate Palestinians and strengthen governments that are committed to securing a lasting peace with the State of Israel.

I continue to believe that the United States has a vital role to play in brokering an enduring peace agreement.  My thoughts and prayers are with all the innocent civilians suffering in Israel and Gaza.  For their sake, the United States must recommit itself to bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table.  This includes the need to create a viable representative of the Palestinians that can negotiate in good faith.  And it includes the need to get the Israelis to make the daily welfare of ordinary Palestinians one of the principal criteria for any negotiations.  The future security of the Middle East depends on negotiating a just, permanent, and peaceful settlement between Israelis and Palestinians that both guarantees Israel's security and establishes a Palestinian state."

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), January 7, 2009

"I have been closely following the troubling events and escalating violence in the Middle East. We in the United States must continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in support of our friend and ally Israel as it defends itself against Hamas' unrelenting rocket attacks from Gaza.

“I'm encouraged by the recent cease-fire negotiations underway in the region. The talks must seek to end the intolerable rain of rockets on southern Israel and stop the violence and killing of Israelis and Palestinians. Until a cease-fire agreement is reached, I hope that every effort and scrupulous care continues to be taken to avoid the death of innocent civilians.

“I've long believed that the only route to a sustainable peace in the Middle East is through diplomatic means, not military might. The United States must once again take a leadership role and actively engage in the multilateral effort to build a permanent path to peace between the Israeli and the Palestinian people.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), January 9, 2009

Madam Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 34. War is ugly. That is why it took more than 6,000 or so rockets before Israel decided to defend herself. There is no doubt that we, as Members of Congress, wrap ourselves around the need for humanitarian aid and relief. We too feel the pain of loss of life.

But I think it is important to understand the resolution. It gives a wonderful roadmap for the decision of peace, a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine.

But what it does say, and what all of us have to commit ourselves to, is that no nation can stand for the extinguishing of other people in another sovereign nation. All Hamas has to do is to stand for the dignity and integrity of the Palestinian people, to allow Israel to survive and stand, to commit to its existence and to promote the survival of its people.

We must rally around people, women and children and families. But we cannot engage in peace unless all stand down.

This resolution is a roadmap for that. It is to encourage Egypt to continue in the peace process. It is to close the tunnels. It is to make sure that we are supporting the dignity of all.

I support this resolution. I beg the people of Palestine to stand up for dignity, peace, democracy and freedom for all.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), January 9, 2009

"Madam Speaker, today I wish to comment on the bloodbath occurring in the Gaza. No human being can watch this carnage and not be reminded of the festering hatred that grows with each successive unleashing of violence in Israel, the Gaza, in the Palestinian territories that sadly rescars that tragic region.

In voting for the resolution today, I want to be clear I did not do so because I believe more war or violence is the solution to stability. In fact, more war will breed more retribution, as history surely demonstrates. I voted for the resolution because its preamble clearly states our goal is supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

The proportionality of Israel's response to Hamas' incessant terrorist rocket launches is lamentable. Over 750 Palestinians have now died, one-third of them women and children; there have been four Israeli soldiers killed; and in the last 7 years three Israeli casualties from the rocket launches from the Gaza into Israel. Immediately, there is a lack of adequate humanitarian relief from the world community, and for the victims, that is appalling. Two wrongs do not make a right.

My view is, the current administration has left Israel more vulnerable and less stable as hatreds grow toward it regionally. Our Nation's reputation, too, has been badly damaged globally.

I would like to enter into the Record today an editorial written by President Jimmy Carter called ``The Unnecessary War,'' the only President in the last 3 decades to achieve real, lasting peace in the Middle East. There is a road forward. His life is proof the future of that region can be better than the past as development replaces war as the common denominator. But that will take courage. It will take perseverance. It will take more than congressional resolutions. It is why our hopes ride high at this moment with the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama."

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."

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, January 9, 2009

"I support Israel's security and its right to exist in peace, without the fear of rocket attacks from Hamas. And I abhor the violence which has been visited upon the people of Israel who are subject to such attacks. However, I would submit that the resolution, which this Congress will vote on, is in incomplete, that it doesn't sufficiently take sufficiently take notice of the Arms Exports Control Act, which the United States is governed by in terms of its transmittal of arms to Israel, nor does it take notice of the humanitarian conditions sufficiently, nor establish a true path towards peace. And for that reason, I will oppose this resolution.

Israel is an established democracy and a firm U.S. ally. It's also signed agreements governing the use of U.S. military assistance. The Arms Export Control Act of 1976, which governs shipments of weapons from United States to foreign nations, requires that each Nation receiving a shipment of arms from the United States must certify that the weapons are used solely, solely for defensive purposes, not increase the escalation of conflict, nor prejudice the development of peace agreements. And I think in each case, the Israeli use of arms given by the U.S. has failed that test.

Israel has had Gaza under a punishing blockade. A blockade is in itself an act of war, at which time Israel has had complete control of access to Gaza. The Israeli government even made a truce with Hamas in bad faith, because at the same time it was making the truce, it was preparing to attack Gaza, to pursue its policy of regime change, an all-out attack on Hamas to oust Hamas, without any regard to the law and to the consequences to the civilian population of Gaza.

The people of Gaza have no army, no navy, no air force. Israel using F-16 jets and Apache helicopters acquired from the United States is engaged in a military offensive inside Gaza, escalating the conflict in Gaza, and prejudicing the development of peace agreements, contrary to the letter of the stated policies and purposes of U.S. military assistance to Israel.

Now, we know from news reports that the United Nations gave the Israeli Army the coordinates of U.N. schools and that schools have been hit by Israeli tank fire, killing dozens. The U.N. put flags on emergency vehicles and coordinated the movements with the Israeli military, and those vehicles came under attack, killing at least one emergency worker.

The Israeli Army evacuated 100 Palestinians to a house, and then bombed the house, killing 30 people. They don't have bomb shelters in Gaza. Emergency workers have been blocked by the Israeli Army from reaching hundreds of injured persons. Today's Washington Post headline documents that.

We all want peace, but we're not going to get peace until we recognize that there are two parties to this dispute and that we have to also review Israel's conduct as well. That path to peace has to begin with stopping the war, having a cease-fire, constructing a truce, ending the blockade, getting humanitarian assistance through to all the people, rebuilding the infrastructure of the Palestinians, rebuilding their economic possibilities, bringing Hamas and Israel together for talks, using that as the basis to the path for peace in the Middle East.

This resolution is, therefore, incomplete and I will oppose it, but I urge this Congress to take these concerns up again next week so that we can address the humanitarian issue and, by doing so, open up the possibility of this Congress playing a more constructive role in helping to achieve peace in the region by reaching out to all the parties, notwithstanding the devastating conflict that has been visited on both sides."

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT)

"Mr. President, S. Res. 10, the resolution that was adopted today reaffirming U.S. support for Israel, is factually accurate.  No one here doubts our commitment to Israel’s security, or Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas rocket attacks.  But the resolution, unfortunately, presents an incomplete response to the situation in Gaza.  With so much at stake for the United States, for Israel and for the world, we owe the American people and all concerned a clear-eyed, forthright and constructive discussion of such vital matters as these.

Hamas’ unilateral decision to break the ceasefire was deplorable.  It is clear that rather than work for peace, Hamas used the ceasefire to amass more powerful and longer range weapons.  Its actions should be universally condemned, and they will achieve nothing positive for the cause of the Palestinian people.  Those who have collaborated in supplying weapons that are being used to terrorize and harm innocent civilians in Israel are complicit in the suffering and destruction that has occurred on both sides.    

For its part, Israel used the ceasefire to pressure Hamas through a blockade that, in the absence of a long-term strategy, has caused extreme hardship for the Palestinian people collectively in Gaza but done nothing to change Hamas’ militant policies.  The blockade was not coupled with an effective strategy to address the underlying causes of the conflict.   

In the past 14 days, according to the United Nations, 758 Palestinians have died, including 257 children, as a result of Israel’s military operations, and thousands more have been injured.  Palestinian homes, schools and other civilian infrastructure have been demolished.  Among Israelis, 3 civilians have been killed, and 7 soldiers have died.  Israeli homes have also been badly damaged from Hamas rocket fire.  The UN Relief and Works Agency, which is the principal humanitarian organization functioning in Gaza, suspended its operations earlier today due to risks to the safety of its personnel as a result of Israeli attacks which killed two of its workers and injured one.

As has been said here repeatedly, Israel has the right to defend itself.  And I have no doubt that the Israeli Defense Forces, using powerful weapons supplied by the United States, can achieve tactical victories in Gaza by damaging Hamas’ military capabilities.

But the right response is one that will, over the long term, make Israel more secure, and that will be achieved only when Israel is accepted by its neighbors.  Those of us who have long worked to support Israel should not lose sight of this crucial goal and this bigger picture.  This escalation will, I fear, have the opposite effect.  The widening use of force has implications for Israel’s long-term security that should concern each of us.  This approach may increase support among Palestinians for Hamas as well as anger and resentment toward Israel and the United States within Arab countries and around the world.

Israel seeks to deal a fatal blow to Hamas militants, to bomb them into submission and moderation.  If our country were attacked in a similar way by one of our neighbors we might respond the same way.  But there is little if any reason to believe these tactics can work.  This latest escalation, with bombs falling and tank artillery striking in heavily populated areas where civilians – more than half of whom are children – have no means of escape, obviously and tangibly is providing ammunition to extremists, inside and outside of Gaza.  And in doing so it increases the dangers to both soldiers and civilians – Israeli and Palestinian – and of miring Israel in an open-ended mission in Gaza resulting in far more destruction and loss of innocent life than we have seen so far.  Ultimately, extremism is what has hindered a political resolution that ends this conflict with two secure states living side by side.

There are some who may argue that the collapse of the recent ceasefire proves that Hamas will only respond to force.  Hamas has abused the ceasefire, but that is not the only lesson from the collapse.  Any clear-eyed analysis will show that a ceasefire cannot succeed – indeed, it will be exploited by Israel’s enemies – if it is treated as an end in itself instead of as an opportunity to materially improve the humanitarian situation and to undertake serious negotiations to end the conflict.   

There are broadly acknowledged immediate steps that must be taken:  put a meaningful ceasefire in place, stop the smuggling of weapons into Gaza, and open crossings into Gaza to facilitate the flow of licit goods and services.

But beyond that, history has shown that absent an inclusive, diplomatic process that effectively addresses the core interests of both Israelis and Palestinians, the cycle of violence will continue.  Preconditions are an obstacle to that process in the Middle East as much as they were for another seemingly intractable conflict, in Northern Ireland.

Others have asked these questions, which are worth repeating:  Does the Gaza war improve Israel’s long-term, or even short-term, security?  Was it realistic and in Israel’s long-term interests to expect Hamas to accept Israel in advance of negotiations, rather than push for a total cessation of the use of violence and blockade, followed by negotiations?  Was it realistic to expect the ceasefire to hold while Gaza remained under siege, rife with hunger, illness, joblessness, and hopelessness, and while construction of settlements continued, and even accelerated, in the West Bank?

On January 6th, Secretary of State Rice spoke to the UN Security Council.  I do not doubt the sincerity of her concern with the humanitarian situation in Gaza, or for the need for a ceasefire “that can endure and bring real security.”  We all want that.  But her words were noteworthy for what they said about the dismal failure of the Bush Administration’s approach to the Middle East conflict.  Eight years were squandered and mishandled, and President-elect Obama faces a far more difficult situation than his predecessor inherited.

Mr. President, our credibility in the entire world has suffered immeasurably since 9/11.  In particular our image in predominantly Muslim countries has been affected by the failure to advance a credible strategy to help resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict.  This has pronounced and obvious implications for our security, for Israel’s security, and for the entire Middle East region.

At this time of great opportunity in America to change our policies and make a true contribution to peace in the Middle East, we should be careful when we adopt resolutions on subjects as sensitive as this to be cognizant of the history of the region and the complexities of the situation.  Above all, our goal should be to enhance our role as a force for peace and our ability to advance our Nation’s interests."

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) January 9, 2009

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support of the right of Israel to exist and to defend itself and to condemn unequivocally the rocket attacks launched by Hamas on Israel. I believe there can be no military solution to this conflict, only a political solution reached by the parties assisted by the United States acting as an honest broker. Seldom do I vote present but I will in this case. Let me explain why.

First, the resolution ought to make it clear that the only way to remove the threat to Israel, and to the larger region, is to resolve these issues through an immediate cease-fire and commit the United States to high-level and sustained diplomacy in support of the Road Map and initiatives. This resolution does not address how to end the escalating violence.

Second, the resolution should offer concrete steps to be taken immediately to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The resolution is silent on this point.

The bottom line is there is absolutely no military resolution to the issues confronting this region--notwithstanding the acts of self-defense to which Israel has resorted.

That is why I renew my call for the administration to redouble its efforts in discharging its indispensable role as honest broker in the peace process needed to realize the two-state solution and secure Israel's right to peaceful co-existence and the right of the Palestinians to live in dignity.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), January 7, 2009

"Israeli and Palestinian civilians deserve the same thing as all people: to raise their families in peaceful communities free from and unthreatened by violence. However, as long as Hamas engages Israel only with terrorism and rocket fire, prospects for peace will dim while people and families suffer. This is unacceptable for Israel and for the United States, which will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens from attack. At the same time, Gaza must not become the scene of a humanitarian catastrophe, just as it must not be allowed to serve as a base for firing rockets at Israel.

“With this in mind, I urge the international community, Hamas’s militants, and the Israeli government to agree to a cease-fire that halts hostilities and addresses the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ultimate goal of such a cease-fire must be to lead to a sustainable peace agreement that dismantles Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure, eases the alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza, and guarantees the safety and security of innocent Israelis and Palestinians alike. Achieving peace through a renewed emphasis on diplomacy and negotiation is critical in order to craft a long-term settlement that strengthens Israel’s security, improves

Palestinians’ quality of life, and breaks the region’s cycle of violence and suffering."

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."

Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr (D-NJ), January 9, 2009

"Madam Speaker, nearly 9,000 rockets, missiles, and mortars have been fired into Israel since 2001, terrorizing the Israeli people. More than 6,000 of them have fallen since Israel withdrew entirely from the Gaza Strip and Hamas took over its leadership in 2005. The range of these rockets continues to grow, putting more of Israel's population in danger.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza also worsens by the day, and scores of civilians have been hurt or killed in the fighting. Hamas terrorists embed themselves in private homes, schools, mosques, hospitals, and use innocent Palestinians as human shields.

I fully support Israel's right to defend itself against the constant barrage of attacks from Hamas. However, it is imperative that both the Hamas government in Gaza and the State of Israel stop this cycle of violence that has caused hundreds of casualties, before it gets worse. Israelis in Southern Israel and Palestinians in Gaza live in constant fear for their lives, and this is unacceptable.

The Bush Administration must immediately take all necessary measures, in conjunction with the world community, to broker a peaceful and sustainable resolution to this volatile situation. Should the President heed this call, it will bolster the incoming Obama Administration's efforts as it advocates for a lasting peace.

Congressman David Price (D-NC), January 6, 2009 - op-ed in The Miami Herald and The Charlotte Observer

"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.

For its part, Hamas has again proven that it would rather fight than govern or tend to the needs of Gazans, making it exceedingly difficult to envision it as a serious partner at the negotiating table. Israel, while unquestionably justified in its move to put an end to the daily barrage of rockets falling upon its citizens, seems to have forgotten the lessons of the 2006 Lebanon war, during which its use of massive force alienated the Arab world and turned Hezbollah into freedom fighters in the eyes of many Lebanese. And the Bush administration once again offers little: only an unconditional green light to follow the fight, now a full-scale ground war, wherever it leads."  Continuing reading the full article: here

Congressman Price, January 9, 2009

Madam Speaker, the resolution before us correctly condemns the actions by Hamas to target innocent civilians in southern Israel and to thwart the ceasefire that had been in place for the previous 6 months. It correctly calls for a new, sustainable ceasefire and affirms the U.S. commitment to a just and durable peace based on a two-state solution. But the resolution does not begin to do justice to the humanitarian disaster gripping Gaza, and it offers little more than lip service on behalf of a serious peace process. Focusing on affixing blame for the current crisis, it fails to emphasize the steps required to lead us toward a long-term solution.

I recently wrote an article which appeared in the January 6 Charlotte Observer and Miami Herald in which I proposed immediate actions the U.S. must take to return us to a trajectory leading to a just and lasting peace. I ask permission that it be included in the RECORD. After the conflict ends and the dust settles, after all the recriminations and resentments have been aired, we will be left with the crucial question of whether and how to resume efforts toward a lasting peace, This is the only goal that can meet our and Israel's long-term security needs in the region. We must act urgently, knowing that the steps we take now will determine just how steep that future road to peace will be.

Congressman Nick Rahall (D - WV), January 9, 2009

I thank the distinguished chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee for yielding me the time and certainly respect his work on this resolution. We have talked about this issue numerous times over our careers in this body.

Madam Speaker, I am saddened by the recent escalation and fighting over the past few weeks in the Middle East. I condemn the Hamas attacks and recent air strikes in southern Lebanon into Israel. My hope is that all sides can take a step back, deescalate the fighting, and work together to renew the cease-fire agreement that expired on December 19. At the same time, humanitarian aid and assistance should be allowed to reach those in the region that need it the most, particularly civilian victims of the conflict.

Military action alone is not going to be a solution to the problems in the Middle East; we all know that. Working towards a lasting, peaceful solution to these conflicts by addressing the root causes is in the best interests of the United States.

The current fighting is not in the best interests of the United States. Only the extremists on both sides are the winners. Those moderates in the middle, both in Israel and on the Palestinian side, are the real losers in the current fighting.

Make no mistake about it. This campaign was planned some time ago, not just at the expiration of the cease-fire in December. Recent events in Israel show that the prime minister election coming up in February certainly have been a major factor in these air strikes, witnessing meteoric rise of Defense Minister Ehud Barak from almost nothing in the polls to now leading for prime minister of Israel.

So make no mistake about it, there are a variety of factors on all sides that come into play. There's no political will on the Palestinian side. There's no political side on the Israeli side to reach a real agreement in addressing the root causes.

This resolution, while there's nothing in that it can be denied, is not in my opinion in the best interests of resolving this conflict. We applaud what happened in the United Nations last night, but we know that what happens in the United Nations is far different than what happens on the ground in the region.

We urge the Egyptians, along with the Palestinian Authority, to reach an agreement in Cairo, as they are negotiating as we speak between Israel and Hamas, so that we can start addressing the smuggling of arms and the root causes of the conflict in the region.

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) January 4, 2009

“Like you, I am deeply concerned about the escalating violence and its toll on innocent civilians in the region.

I stand by Israel’s right to defend its citizens against rocket and mortar attacks by Hamas from Gaza, which have killed and injured many Israelis over the last several years. I also believe that Israel, like all states, has an obligation to restore security for its residents.

We need a cease fire that is durable and sustainable. I hope such an agreement can be reached quickly.

I believe that the United States needs to be energetically engaged in bringing the parties together to form a long-lasting agreement between Israel and the Palestinians and that the United States has an obligation to support the emergence of a peaceful, democratic Palestinian leadership.

I continue to support the implementation of a two-state solution, in which Israelis and Palestinians agree to live as neighbors in peace and security. I remain hopeful that under the incoming Administration, the United States will encourage the parties to accomplish this necessary goal.”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) January 9, 2009

"Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns regarding H. Res. 34. I do not think that this resolution provides a complete picture of the conflict in Gaza and as a result, I will be voting present on this resolution. I am particularly concerned that this resolution does not address the core cause of the crisis, and I am not confident that this resolution will be beneficial to improving the situation in Gaza.

I have grave concerns about Hamas's alarming history of violence. However, in order to resolve this crisis it is imperative that we encourage both Israel and Hamas to pursue a peaceful resolution and come to a sustainable cease-fire.

Today marks the 14th day of the Gaza war. Over 700 people have been killed by both Israeli and Hamas military actions. International aid workers are reporting that they are unable to access the Gaza civilians and the United Nations has suspended its aid operations following the death of a U.N. official. I believe that a bipartisan resolution should have more fully addressed these challenges and stressed the need for both parties to cease all fire and fulfill their obligations under the Road Map peace plans.

This weekend I will be meeting with a number of relevant organizations and community leaders from my district to discuss the current crisis in Gaza. Through these meetings I hope to continue to learn more about the status of the ongoing situation and consider the ways in which the United States can develop a proactive plan that will both end this current conflict and bring long-term peace and stability to the region."

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) , January 4, 2009

"Hamas has cast aside a cease-fire agreement brokered by the Egyptians and indiscriminately targeted Israeli civilians with a barrage of rockets and mortars, dragging the Israeli and Palestinian peoples back into the crossfire of war and leaving Israel with little choice but to respond with force. Israel must defend its people against these attacks.

"Now, like all Americans, I hope for strong diplomatic intervention that will bring these hostilities to an end and facilitate humanitarian assistance to those suffering in and around Gaza. I regret that the Bush Administration's years of neglect allowed the peace process to deteriorate so gravely, and I'm confident that President-Elect Obama's Administration will bring a new commitment and new leadership to address the wider conflict in the Middle East."

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) January 9, 2009

“As someone who has always been committed to a two-state solution in the Middle East that guarantees Israel’s security and provides self-determination for the Palestinians, I do not believe that the resolution put forth today succeeds in moving us closer to either goal.  It will neither increase the security of the Israeli civilians at risk of rocket attacks, nor will it address the immediate and dire humanitarian needs of the thousands of Palestinians who have been caught in the recent crossfire.  Instead of simply condemning the violence, we must act to end it.  The United States must join with its international partners, and use every resource at our disposal, to bring both sides together in adopting an immediate cease-fire and an end to hostilities.  In addition, we must recommit ourselves to working with all parties to find a long-term solution to this crisis, which has unfortunately been all but ignored by President Bush and his administration over the past eight years.  The US must be an honest broker in these negotiations and today’s resolution is untimely in light of round the clock diplomatic efforts to obtain a cease-fire.”