DeLauro Statement on Rising Israeli-Palestinian Tensions

WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) released a statement on rising Israeli-Palestinian tensions:

"Rocket attacks directed at civilian populations are not acceptable. Both sides must work to de-escalate the situation and respect civilians.

"The escalation of violence in recent days in Gaza, Jerusalem, and throughout Israel has been devastating. Nearly 500 rocket attacks have been launched at populated Israeli cities, with corresponding rocket attacks targeted at Gaza. This violence has taken the lives of Israelis and Palestinians, civilians and children among them. Images of civilians taking cover in the street and stories of families taking shelter among destroyed buildings and debris are heartbreaking. There must be a cessation of violence from both sides immediately to de-escalate tensions and restore peace. An eye for an eye will make the world blind.

"Recent reports of evictions of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem has contributed to the riots and subsequent violence. These evictions must stop. I urge President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken to call on both sides to end the violence and convey that indiscriminate evictions will only serve to inflame tensions, not quell the riots and violence. We must do everything we can to create an environment for dialogue moving forward to ensure Israelis and Palestinians can realize peace."