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 right to defend itself. It also must prioritize the protection of civilians and conduct its operations within the boundaries of human rights laws. It has become increasingly clear that while Hamas continues to use the Palestinian people as human shields, Israel is failing to meet these high standards and that Prime Minister Netanyahu has ignored President Biden’s calls to change course. More must be done to reduce civilian deaths and alleviate suffering in Gaza. Rep. Larson has praised the Biden Administration’s continued efforts to provide additional humanitarian aid, pressure the Netanyahu government to change course and negotiate a ceasefire in exchange for the release of remaining hostages. 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. 
  
In December, Rep. Larson called for a stop in fighting until Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government could articulate a strategy that would ensure civilian protection, facilitate sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid, remove Hamas from power, and take steps aimed at securing a two-state solution. This included a call for Hamas to also release hostages. Recent events have underscored how critical it is to stop fighting in order to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.  

The United States must persist in applying pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to alter his course of action. Rep. Larson has signed multiple letters to President Biden to that effect, including urging him to implement greater oversight over arms sales to Israel to ensure humanitarian conditions are met. He will continue to advocate for an end in fighting, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and the removal of Hamas from power, as well as a commitment by all parties to a two-state solution and an end to settler violence in the West Bank. 

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.