Chairwoman Barbara Lee Releases Statement on the Ongoing Violence in the Middle East
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement on the ongoing violence in the Middle East:
“I condemn the horrific violence in the Middle East in the strongest possible terms and urge both Israelis and Palestinians to act urgently to de-escalate. The US must rapidly work to enable dialogue that can immediately reduce tensions, end the violence, and lead to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
“Unjust attempts to forcibly displace Palestinian families from their homes undermines Israeli security, Palestinian dignity, and prospects for peace. Violent protests and a heavy-handed Israeli police response escalated the situation. Hamas rocket attacks and retaliatory Israeli airstrikes have caused the death of too many innocent civilians. This must stop.
“The United States must also make clear that actions that target civilians are unacceptable. As long as the Palestinians remain stateless and Israelis remain under attack, there will never be stability, let alone peace. The two-state solution remains the best framework to ensure both peoples can have peace, safety and prosperity.”