Press Releases

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the President Emeritus of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, released the following statement:

“The recent truce between Hamas and Israel was a welcome respite from the conflict and tragedy of the past two months. More humanitarian aid reached those who desperately needed it, rocket attacks and bombardments stopped, and hostages were finally released. I am dismayed to see this fragile ceasefire fall apart following rocket attacks by Hamas and a warning from the leader of Hamas in Gaza that the October 7th attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis was ‘just a rehearsal.’

“Israel has a right and responsibility to hold accountable Hamas terrorists, and I support all efforts to free the hostages taken by Hamas, including American citizens who are still being held hostage.

“Secretary Blinken was clear when he spoke with Israel’s war cabinet this week: Israel must change its direction. The way in which Israel has indiscriminately bombed Gaza in response to Hamas’ barbaric attack has taken an utterly unacceptable toll on the civilian population. Secretary Blinken has stressed that following the rupture of a cease-fire, Israel must adopt different tactics to address the threat from Hamas, protect civilians, especially children, and ensure robust humanitarian aid enters Gaza, including fuel, water, food, and medicine. I fully concur.

“While the current situation of despair and tragedy clouds the horizon, our ultimate goal must remain a path towards lasting peace and a two-state solution that allows Israelis and Palestinians alike to pursue their lives free from the threat of violence.”