Kilmer Supports Bipartisan Resolution to Reaffirm Support for Israel
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), joined by 411 congressional colleagues, supported a bipartisan resolution standing with Israel as it defends itself against the war launched by Hamas and other terrorist organizations and condemning Hamas’ brutal war against Israel.
“The unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists in Israel are stark reminders of the grave threats Israelis face every day,” said Rep. Kilmer. “The slaughter of those in Israel – the murder of innocent civilians including infants and children – is unconscionable. To Israelis who also call Washington state home and to our region’s Jewish community, I stand with you in reaffirming my unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish people, and I pledge to continue advocating for peace and security throughout the Middle East. As these events continue to unfold, the United States must reaffirm Israel’s fundamental right to defend its people and – as President Biden has requested – should provide resources toward that end.”
In addition to expressing support for Israel, Rep. Kilmer has been outspoken regarding the humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza.
In a letter to President Biden dated October 20, Rep. Kilmer and more than 100 congressional colleagues expressed support for the efforts of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Biden administration in ensuring that civilians in Gaza receive necessities such as food, water, and medicine.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Rep. Kilmer and colleagues emphasized the need for a safe passage for civilians seeking refuge and their eventual return to their communities once the conflict concludes. Concluding the letter, Rep. Kilmer and colleagues underscored the broader issue at hand: the lasting peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
“Even after this war between Israel and Hamas is over, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians cannot be solved ultimately by any military means. When this crisis ends, your leadership together with regional partners will be needed to create a path to a sustainable future because, as you have so often pointed out, both Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of freedom, security, opportunity, and dignity. There will never be an end to the violence until that goal is achieved, and we know that the United States will have a significant role in the pursuit of the peaceful coexistence between Israel and its neighbors.”
# # #