Courtney Pushes for Negotiated Ceasefire in Israel, Gaza
“The bloodshed of Palestinian civilians—including thousands of children—, the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the continued captivity of hundreds of hostages makes clear that there must be a change in the Israeli government’s rightful operation to degrade Hamas. Even those who want retribution more than anyone for Hamas’ October 7th sneak attack agree a change is needed.
“Yehuda Beinin, an Israeli citizen and the father of Liat Beinin who was taken hostage by Hamas, said in a December op-ed, ‘Netanyahu is not fit to manage this conflict. His agenda seems to simply be to inflict as much destruction in Gaza as possible. That tells you all you need to know about his regard for civilian casualties.’
“Even more concerning is that his “plan” for Gaza and the West Bank after hostilities from an open-ended military occupation dooms any chance of a sustainable peace. A secure, democratic region screams out for a clear path towards self-governance for the Palestinian people, which I have supported for as long as I have been a Member of Congress.
“As we saw with the week-long ceasefire in November, putting an end to the fighting is the only way to protect Palestinian civilians (who had nothing to do with Hamas’ unprovoked attack), secure the release of hostages, and surge desperately needed humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza. I am hopeful that the ongoing U.S. negotiations with Israel and partners in the region, which President Biden said could come to fruition in just a few days, will result in a negotiated ceasefire agreement to change course and achieve those goals.
“Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson must put the bipartisan national security supplemental up for a vote which would deliver $10 billion in humanitarian aid to ensure civilians in Gaza and the West Bank can access food, water, medical care, and shelter. Importantly, additional crossings must be open, logistical barriers that slow the flow of aid must be addressed, and Israel must ensure people in the region can safely move to areas that offer these essential services.
“As I have said since October 7, Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas’ barbaric attacks—but how Netanyahu’s government does so must align with the international rule of law and the underlying objective must be long-term security and stability for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and the entire region.
“President Biden, the Israeli government, and all partners must heed the calls of Israelis like Yehuda and millions of Palestinians, and swiftly enact a negotiated ceasefire to pursue a path toward long term peace and prosperity which is in the best interest of Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East.”