Schakowsky Statement on Situation in Gaza

SCHAKOWSKY STATEMENT ON SITUATION IN GAZA

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky released the following statement today in response to the situation in Gaza.

"Given the constant rocket fire from Hamas, particularly since Hamas declared an official end to the six-month ceasefire, Israel's response is completely understandable. For years, the children of Sderot and surrounding communities and their parents have been terrorized by these attacks and forced to live in fear, regularly huddled in bomb shelters. Now those rockets plus more sophisticated ones are coming more frequently and endangering even more Israeli communities and families.

Israel has an absolute right to defend herself. That is not in question. However, I am concerned that the renewed violence will make long-term peace and security for Israel even more elusive and create greater instability in the region.

This untenable situation is crying out for a diplomatic solution, one in which the United States plays a leadership role, calling on the international community, including nations in the region, to participate. That solution requires that the Palestinians recognize Israel's right to exist and abandon terrorism, and that both sides agree to a two-state solution that achieves both physical and economic security. I urge the Obama Administration from its first days to re-engage in active diplomacy, not only to end the current hostilities and alleviate humanitarian suffering, but to work toward a lasting peace, one that guarantees Israel's survival as a Jewish democratic state."