Vermont Business Magazine Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) in releasing the following statement on the Israel-Hamas War:
“Israel has a right to defend its citizens after Hamas’s terrorist attacks, which have driven the region into turmoil and cost thousands of lives. The war in Gaza has become a humanitarian crisis and has claimed the lives of innocent Palestinians. As the United States put forward at the United Nations, we are calling for humanitarian pauses to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance for civilians and the immediate, unconditional release of all remaining hostages.”
Representative Becca Balint also called for a humanitarian pause:
“An immediate humanitarian pause to the fighting in Gaza is needed to get all necessary supplies to Palestinians in desperate need. We must reduce human suffering and preserve the lives and safety of civilians in Gaza. During this humanitarian pause Hamas must immediately release all hostages.
“I’m heartbroken by Hamas’ brutal attack on civilians and support Israel’s right to defend itself. Hamas still poses a clear and present danger to Israel.
“The escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza has killed thousands of Palestinians and threatens more suffering if the international community doesn’t take urgent action to protect civilians. Any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs of its actions could backfire by undermining Israel’s standing in the world and further fan the flames of violence in the region.
“The two million civilians in Gaza cannot survive without access to water, food, medicine, and fuel – and these resources cannot get through without a temporary cessation of hostilities for humanitarian workers to do their jobs safely. That’s why I support Secretary Blinken’s call for a pause of hostilities to establish safe passage for civilians and allow humanitarian aid to resume.”
Source: WASHINGTON, D.C. — 10.27.2023.