WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) has issued a powerful statement, shedding light on the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. As a member of both the House Armed Services Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Houlahan’s voice carries significant weight on this matter.
Houlahan expressed strong support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens against attacks from Hamas. Simultaneously, she voiced deep concerns over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan to shift the conflict to Rafah, a densely populated area, with no evident intentions of safeguarding civilian lives.
“I believe in Israel’s right to protect its citizens and sovereignty against the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas,” wrote Houlahan. “However, I am deeply concerned with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s current stated intention to move the conflict to Rafah with no apparent realistic or feasible plan to protect the innocent civilian lives who shelter there.”
Drawing on her military experience, Houlahan emphasized that while expected casualties are a tragic reality of war, all parties involved in the conflict must strive to protect innocent lives and uphold international laws and norms of warfare. She lamented the perceived lack of commitment from the Israeli administration to these fundamental principles.
Houlahan further urged for a cease-fire between the Israeli government and Hamas, urging a halt to the heartbreaking loss of life. The return of hostages taken from Israel during the initial stage of the conflict was another major point she urged for.
“My heart grieves for the pain and loss of thousands of innocent Palestinian and Israeli people,” Houlahan continued. “I believe the Israeli government and Hamas should pursue lasting peace through a negotiated ceasefire and with the return of all hostages ruthlessly abducted from Israel on October 7, 2023.”
Moreover, Houlahan lauded the Biden administration’s efforts to negotiate a halt in hostilities. However, she pushed for continuous pressure from the U.S. toward a peaceful resolution and a return to the two-state solution. She called for opposition against forcible displacement of Palestinians, Israeli settlement in Gaza, and violence towards either Palestinians or Israelis. Long-term peace, she asserted, can only be achieved with a fair and elected civilian government in Gaza, and secure, respected place for Israel among its neighbors.
The current conflict, having already claimed thousands of lives, began in October 2023. It marked the first time Israel declared a state of war since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Relations between Israelis and Palestinians have been fraught with tension since 1948 but escalated drastically with an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas.