Evans Calls for Negotiated Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas War
WASHINGTON (Feb. 29, 2024) – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) issued this statement today:
“As a longstanding advocate for human rights and peacebuilding, today I am calling for a negotiated ceasefire to end the violence in Gaza, including the immediate return of all hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 and the immediate delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid into the Gaza strip. Since October, I have consistently called for humanitarian pauses to reduce the loss of civilian life in this conflict and to work towards a peaceful resolution. Calling a cessation of hostilities a ‘pause,’ a ‘ceasefire,’ or any other term is less important than working to end the violence itself.
“I remain a strong supporter of the nation of Israel, and I will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorism and barbaric attacks against its people. I also strongly support the right of Palestinian civilians to be able to live without fear of violence and to be able to pursue an independent Palestinian state. The current campaign in Gaza has proven to be unconducive to the goal of lasting peace in the region and an eventual two-state solution to the conflict.
“Hamas must be removed from power, for the safety of both Israelis and Palestinians, and to ensure the possibility of co-existing Israeli and Palestinian states. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has demonstrated that he still has no plans to conduct current operations against Hamas in such a way as to provide for an eventual path to peace.
“That is why I am calling on President Biden and his Administration to use all possible diplomatic tools to negotiate a ceasefire to stop this fighting. Humanitarian aid to the civilians of Gaza and the release of the Oct. 7 hostages must be the immediate priorities when negotiating this ceasefire. However, these negotiations must also ensure that a strategy is laid out for a post-war Gaza. This must include a targeted approach to removing Hamas from power and opposition to an Israeli reoccupation of the strip. Any future military operations by Israel MUST demonstrate a clear plan to specifically target Hamas operatives and minimize civilian casualties, a clear path to removing Israeli forces from Gaza, and a multinational plan for governing Gaza after Hamas’ removal.
“Additionally, negotiations should also address the role of the Palestinian Authority in an eventual peace process, enforcement of sanctions and other necessary legal actions against illegal settlements in the West Bank, and clear strategies to prevent future harm to civilians in both Israel and Palestine.
“Furthermore, while I remain committed to U.S. assistance to Israel to ensure self-defense capabilities, I am also calling for greater oversight over U.S. aid. I am encouraged by the White House’s recent national security memorandum laying out steps to enforce adherence to international law for recipients of U.S. military aid. I believe those who the Administration determines to be in violation of international law should be held accountable as laid out in the memorandum.
“A two-state solution is the only viable way to achieve peace after decades of violence in the region. Both the atrocious attacks by Hamas on October 7 and the current operations of Israeli forces in Gaza have proven there is a long path still to go towards a long-term peace process. However, the longer this fighting goes on, the further that peace process seems. A negotiated ceasefire must happen as soon as possible, and all parties must continue dialogue beyond these negotiations to determine a path forward to prevent such future violence and create the lasting change necessary for a safer and freer future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
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