DeLauro Statement on Ongoing Israeli Invasion of Rafah

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued a statement on the ongoing invasion of Rafah by the government of Israel:

“I am horrified by the ongoing Israeli invasion of Rafah. At least 60 civilian lives were lost when the Israeli military targeted a Palestinian displacement camp on Sunday and today. Not enough is being done to protect innocent Palestinians caught in the crosshairs. That must end. Already, Israel’s military forces have killed tens of thousands of innocent people and created a humanitarian crisis that has put millions at risk of starvation. I have been clear before: any Israeli offensive on Rafah must have a clear plan to protect civilian lives. Evidently, such a plan does not exist. 

“Hamas must be defeated – there can be no safe future for Palestinians or Israelis alike if they continue to exist. But Hamas will not be defeated if Israel pursues a military plan that does not prioritize the protection of civilian lives and further alienates themselves from regional and global partners.

“We need a dramatic increase in the humanitarian aid that is going to address the starvation of the Palestinian people. We need an immediate ceasefire to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas and preserve the lives and dignity of the Palestinian people.”