The Israel-Hamas War
The Israel-Hamas War has caused heartbreaking pain and suffering for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The October 7th attack conducted by Hamas was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Rep. Larson condemns this attack and Hamas in the strongest possible terms. Israel has the unequivocal right to defend itself. However, it also must prioritize the protection of civilians and conduct its operations within the boundaries of human rights laws. It is clear the military operation waged by Prime Minister Netanyahu has led to an unconscionable amount of death, starvation, and misery for the people of Gaza and has failed to make the region safer. Reports of civilians killed while trying to access aid are especially appalling and underscores the scale of the humanitarian crisis. We must be clear – Hamas is a terrorist organization that is holding innocent hostages, including Americans. This conflict could end immediately if Hamas gave up its arms.
Since December 2023, Rep. Larson has called for a pause in the fighting until Netanyahu and his government could lay out a strategy that would protect civilians, provide for sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid, remove Hamas from power, and take immediate steps toward securing a two-state solution along with the release of hostages from Hamas. Previous ceasefires and hostage releases have shown us that progress is possible. The United States must use our leverage to secure another agreement, one that can both alleviate the immediate suffering and create long term peace in the region. Israelis and Palestinians alike have the right to self-determination and to live their lives free from conflict and suffering. There is no military solution to this conflict.
In May, Rep. Larson released a statement calling on Prime Minister Netanyahu to renew ceasefire negotiations and reverse the Israeli government’s decision to block humanitarian aid. On May 7th, he joined his colleagues in a letter to the Ambassador of Israel which explicitly cited the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. This letter states:
“We are deeply alarmed and dismayed by this blockade, which started on March 2nd and has contributed to some of the worst humanitarian conditions in Gaza since October 2023. Leveraging humanitarian aid to pressure Hamas, as Defense Minister Katz has stated in the Israeli strategy, is unacceptable and constitutes an act of collective punishment against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.”
Additionally, on July 25, Rep. Larson issued a statement urging the full resumption of lifesaving aid to civilians in Gaza.
“Lifesaving aid must resume immediately to civilians in Gaza, a population who is needlessly suffering. The aid that is entering is not enough,” said Larson. “The World Health Organization has said that food deliveries remain far below what is needed, and 95 percent of households in Gaza continue to face severe water shortages. That is unsustainable and unacceptable. The United States and Israel must do everything they can to ensure the free flow of aid for a starving population – not stand in the way. I urge President Trump and his team to press Prime Minister Netanyahu on the need for immediate action.”
Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act, introduced by Rep. Carson (D-IN), which would unfreeze federal funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Ultimately, we must take steps to ensure that all Israelis and Palestinians in the region be able to live their lives with dignity and free of conflict. Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act, introduced by Reps. Nadler (D-NY), Smith (D-WA), and Himes (D-CT) to prevent violence in the West Bank and place sanctions on any party responsible for instigating violence and hindering a two-state solution.
It is also of paramount importance to address the surge in Islamophobia and antisemitism within the United States. Hate has no place in our society, and Rep. Larson will continue to support legislation that addresses these issues and uphold freedom of religion for all.
For more on the history of the conflict, click here
More on The Israel-Hamas War
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement calling for renewed ceasefire negotiations and urging the Israeli government to reverse their policy blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza.
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after American Sagui Dekel-Chen was released by Hamas after being held captive for nearly 500 days.
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which includes the release of 33 hostages from Gaza.
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel, where 1,195 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage, including 101 who remain in captivity today.
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement condemning the recent Iranian ballistic missile attack against Israel.
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire deal negotiated by the Biden Administration without delay, joining the calls of Israeli citizens and the families of hostages held in Gaza.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress.
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to send $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and civilians in Gaza.
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after Iran launched an attack against Israel.
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after President Biden held a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu underscoring the importance of a shift in U.S. policy toward Israel.