Vermont Business Magazine Vermont's political leaders released the following statements on the one-year anniversary on the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas.
Statement from Governor Phil Scott:
“One year ago, nearly 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in a brutal attack by Hamas. Nearly 100 remain hostages of Hamas, including four Americans. Today, I join many in mourning these losses and condemning antisemitism of any kind – which, unfortunately, has escalated over the last year.
“We also know tens of thousands more have died in the year since, including many Palestinian civilians. They should also be in our thoughts today.
“The resolution to this conflict is complex. But instead of letting it further divide us, I hope Vermonters come together around a shared belief that expressions of hate in America are unacceptable and do nothing to achieve lasting peace where there is war.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont)
"Today marks one year since the horrific Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 innocent men, women, and children, and took some 250 hostages, including Americans, many of whom are still being held captive today. Yahya Sinwar and his Hamas accomplices are responsible for mass murder, the taking of hostages, and sexual violence. They are war criminals. Nobody should forgive or forget those atrocities, which began this war.
"Over the past year, I have met with many survivors of that attack and their relatives. It is difficult to comprehend the heartbreak they have experienced. Today, we should all remember those human stories and reflect on that human cost.
"We also cannot mark this date without considering what has happened in the year since the Hamas massacre.
"Israel clearly had a right to respond to the Hamas attack. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremist government has not simply waged war against Hamas. It has waged total war against the Palestinian people. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 96,000 wounded, sixty percent of whom are women, children, or elderly people. The Netanyahu government has destroyed much of the housing stock of Gaza, the civilian infrastructure, and the health care system. Every one of the 12 universities in Gaza have been bombed, and there are virtually no educational opportunities available for the many children there. Desperate families, with few belongings, have been displaced time and time again.
"Israel has blocked humanitarian aid, cutting off food, water, medical supplies. Severe restrictions remain in place. Humanitarian aid organizations describe the situation as a catastrophe, with many thousands of children facing malnutrition and starvation. These actions by the Netanyahu government have clearly violated U.S. and international law and made Israel less secure.
"Further, Netanyahu has consistently sabotaged efforts to obtain a ceasefire deal and secure the release of the hostages. Every time an agreement has appeared close, he has introduced new demands, sinking the deal and leaving the hostages and Palestinian civilians to continue their suffering.
"Since October 7th, this ongoing conflict and the horrific humanitarian crisis have been a daily torment. Today, as we remember those lost and continue to grapple with the horror of that day, we must re-dedicate ourselves to returning the hostages to their families, bringing about an immediate ceasefire, returning displaced people to their homes, and providing the massive humanitarian aid that the people of Gaza need."
US Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont):
“October 7th is a day that will be remembered in Israel and around the world for its cruelty and depravity. The massacre waged by Hamas and other militant groups was shocking. I join my fellow Vermonters in mourning the loss of 1,200 innocent people in Israel—including more than 40 Americans killed that day—and remember the more than 250 people taken hostage. Many of Hamas’ victims were children, the elderly, women, and young people attending a music festival. We must all unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutality and disregard for human life, and recommit to standing up against antisemitism and hate in all its forms.
“One year after that day, and one year into this conflict—which has brought so much death and destruction—it is clear how urgent and necessary a ceasefire remains. We must end the fighting in Israel, in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon and across the region. We must de-escalate to avoid further conflict and the loss of more innocent life, negotiate a safe release of the remaining hostages, and help those suffering from the appalling humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 42,000 have died, and now the growing crisis in Lebanon. The answer to Hamas’ brutality on October 7th cannot be endless violence.”
US Representative Becca Balint (D-Vermont):
“One year ago, today became the deadliest day in Israeli history. Over 1,200 people were murdered by Hamas and hundreds taken hostage, devastating communities, and families in Israel and around the world. This is a day of trauma and pain for the global Jewish community. Our collective anguish could not be deeper.
“Today, I mourn the lives lost and call for an immediate end to the violence and suffering. The United States must be a forceful voice for a ceasefire, a release of all hostages, and delivering vital humanitarian assistance in order to bring about long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region.”
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