The Israel-Hamas Conflict

Since Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on October 7th, I have been outspoken about Hamas' barbarism and Israel’s right to defend itself. I have also been clear that Israelis and Palestinians both deserve durable peace that can only come through a political solution — and I am encouraged that an end to this conflict is finally within sight.

I am relieved that the living hostages have been reunited with their loved ones, and that the ceasefire will mean that vital aid can start reaching those inside Gaza whose lives have been shattered.

It now falls on Israelis and Palestinians, with the support of the United States, the Arab community, and the entire world, to begin the task of rebuilding Gaza and committing to a process that, by recognizing the common humanity and basic rights of both peoples, can achieve a lasting peace. The end goal must be a Palestinian state and an Israeli state side by side. Immense work remains to turn this fragile beginning into a durable resolution of this conflict. All parties must seize this moment and commit to steadfast diplomacy to ensure that this ceasefire becomes not just an end to war but a beginning of peace.

Over the course of the conflict, I repeatedly spoke out strongly on the need for Israel to protect innocent civilians in Gaza, both for moral and military reasons. The casualty rates and the humanitarian situation were unacceptable; and worst of all, ultimately gave strength to Hamas.

In July, I sent a letter to the Ambassador of Israel to the United States, co-signed with other veteran Democrats in the House, urging Israel to flood Gaza with massive quantities of humanitarian aid to address the hunger crisis. I also put out a statement calling the humanitarian situation unacceptable and called on Israel to change course.

From the very beginning of the conflict, I have urged Israel to learn from our mistakes fighting organized terrorist groups in Iraq and Afghanistan: first, that protecting innocent civilians and dramatically reducing civilian casualties is a core strategic objective in a counterinsurgency, and second, that Israel must articulate viable political endgame for Gaza.

A list of my statements, letters, op-eds, and vote explanations is below.

Letters: