Statement of Congresswoman DeLauro on Ongoing Israel-Hamas War

NEW HAVEN, CT – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro released the following statement:

“On October 7, Israel faced the most devastating terrorist attack in its history. I continue to stand with Israel in the wake of this horror and unequivocally support its right to defend itself and defeat Hamas. I have also long said, even before this current conflict, that it is imperative that we create the conditions for peace and a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is allowing unacceptable loss of civilian lives and humanitarian and health crises that is producing growing hunger and starvation on his watch. That has to stop.

“Netanyahu has also made clear that he wants Palestinians to play no role in Gaza’s governance and has shown no intention of ending settler violence that further oppresses Palestinians. Therefore, I strongly support Secretary Blinken’s urgent efforts to lay the ground work for a two-state solution.  

“I am calling for a sustained pause in fighting so Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government protect civilians and get a dramatic, immediate increase in delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This pause must include the release of hostages from Hamas.

“Everyone will be hurt if Hamas remains in control of Gaza. However, this war is against Hamas – not the Palestinian people – and it cannot end in an indefinite Israeli occupation of Gaza. I will work to make sure the moment the violence ceases, that all our efforts move toward the creation of a Palestinian state.

“Finally, I am once again calling on Congress to move quickly and on a bipartisan basis to pass a supplemental funding package that addresses both urgent national security and humanitarian needs around the world. We need to get this done.”