May 21, 2021

Duckworth Statement on Ceasefire in Israel and Palestinian Territories

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is Chair of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, released the following statement after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire:

“I’m relieved that Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to a ceasefire in the wake of the recent severe and escalatory violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories. While I fully support Israel’s right to defend itself from the thousands of rockets launched indiscriminately at Israeli citizens, it is also clear that escalating violence is counterproductive and harmful to all conversations about peace and stability in the region.

“Innocent civilians on both sides have not only borne the brunt of the recent suffering, but are also the ones who will suffer in the weeks, months and years ahead if all parties involved are unable—or unwilling—to come to the table for honest, serious negotiations about how Israelis and Palestinians can live side-by-side in safety and peace.

“In light of these recent events, I urge the President to immediately name a U.S. Ambassador to Israel and hope that the Biden administration continues to prioritize promoting constructive discussions about the future of this region.”

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