Congresswoman Sánchez joins call for ceasefire

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) issued the following statement regarding her call for an immediate ceasefire:

“On October 7, 2023, I denounced the horrific attack by Hamas that killed more than 1,200 innocent victims in Israel. I have since defended Israel’s right to restore security and ensure the release of all hostages, including Americans. However, I cannot condone the Israeli right-wing government’s disproportionate response and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The only path forward to long-term security, peace, and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike comes from diplomacy – not violence. That is why I am calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

“The staggering humanitarian toll of the war is not only reprehensible, but unacceptable. While I know it is difficult for the Israeli military to target Hamas militants when these terrorists have imbedded themselves in Palestinian communities, I refuse to defend the indiscriminate bombing of civilians and critical infrastructure. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 30,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the war. As a mother, I was further devastated to learn that more than 13,000 children have been killed in Gaza, according to UNICEF. The World Health Organization further reports that 9 in 10 people living in Gaza are facing crisis levels of hunger. The Israeli military’s tight blockade, including multiple checkpoints and limiting operations at crossings, has crippled the safe transport of critical aid (food, fuel, etc.) into Gaza.

“There has been no indication that the Israeli military will change course on its current operations in Gaza. The Israeli right-wing leadership has instead signaled the opposite. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the war would continue through 2024, and I was also alarmed to hear reports of the proposed plans to invade Rafah, a supposed “safe zone” for roughly one million Palestinians. Prime Minister Netanyahu also signaled an intent to expand fighting to Lebanon, which could fuel a broader regional conflict and draw direct U.S. involvement. I refuse to stay silent as Netanyahu’s right-wing government attempts to leverage this conflict to hold on to power while dismantling the prospects of a two-state solution.

"It is time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire would save Israeli and Palestinian lives, restore needed stability in the region, create space for negotiations to release remaining hostages, maintain the prospects of a two-state solution, and allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to reach Gaza." 

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