Sherrill, Houlahan, Moulton Reaffirm Support for Israel and Call on Blinken to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Middle East 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing strong support for Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas and urging the U.S. to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

“As members of Congress who have served our country in uniform in times of war, we share your dedication to ensuring that the U.S. provides the support necessary for Israel to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas. […] As the conflict in Gaza continues to take shape, it’s imperative that the United States, and your department, work to uphold our commitment to preventing the humanitarian situation from deteriorating further,” Sherrill, Houlahan, and Moulton wrote to Secretary Blinken.

A copy of the letter can be found here and below:

October 17, 2023

The Honorable Antony Blinken

Secretary of State

Department of State

2210 C St NW

Washington, D.C., 20230

Dear Secretary Blinken,

As we continue to grieve with Israel, we thank you for your tireless work on behalf of our democratic ally. Your many trips to the region in the last week have shown the world that the United States stands with Israel in its time of need and will continue to stand against the terrorist organization, Hamas. We also applaud the appointment of Ambassador David Satterfield as the U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues.

As members of Congress who have served our country in uniform in times of war, we share your dedication to ensuring that the U.S. provides the support necessary for Israel to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas.

Israel has, without question, been put in an extremely difficult position. They are working to protect their people, eliminate Hamas, and find and rescue hostages – including U.S. citizens – whose lives are in danger. But no matter the hardships this war presents, the United States must continue to advocate for the humanitarian ideals that are intrinsic to all democracies.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to take shape, it’s imperative that the United States, and your department, work to uphold our commitment to preventing the humanitarian situation from deteriorating further. We must continue to encourage Israel to ensure food, water, and power reach Gaza. We should continue to support Israel in meeting its stated goal of minimizing human casualties by working with the Egyptian Government to open Rafah Crossing to refugees. We should also work with both countries to ensure that refugees will be able to return home once the war is over. We can act as a convener for negotiations, as we already have with Israel and Egypt. We can send food aid and medical assistance. We can, and must, use the diplomatic tools available to us to bring the other nations in the region – Egypt, Qatar, and signatories to the Abraham Accords, among others – to the table to work towards an effective humanitarian response. The United States has the opportunity and the responsibility to assist Israel in ensuring the safety of their people and the rescue of hostages. At the same time, we must work to end Hamas’s brutal reign and protect the lives of Palestinian civilians.

We stand ready to work with you towards our shared goal of supporting our democratic allies in line with our shared humanitarian concerns.

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