Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Deadly Violence in Gaza
Washington,
May 15, 2018
Washington, DC – In response to continued protests on the border with Gaza, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement:
“As a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israeli relationship, I am deeply concerned by the renewed tensions and tremendous loss of life along the border with Gaza in recent weeks. As a nation that prides itself on diplomacy, the U.S. should be at the forefront of efforts to end this deadly crisis. However, the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to abandon the position of previous Administrations by moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem without a formal two-state peace agreement serves only to further destabilize the Middle East. “The ability to peacefully advocate for change must be safeguarded as a human right and an essential element of democracy. Yesterday’s death of nearly 60 Palestinians, the vast majority of whom were engaged in nonviolent protests, is an alarming threat to that right and a damning commentary on the Trump Administration’s policies in an already volatile region. “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not make our ally, Israel, safer and it certainly will not be solved by force. As part of my effort to advocate for peace in the region, I have joined my colleagues calling on the Israeli Defense Forces to stop using deadly force against unarmed protesters, unless to prevent imminent loss of life. I have also condemned Hamas, a terrorist organization, that has shown time and again its disregard for innocent human life whether Palestinian or Israeli. Today, as protests continue, it is high time the Administration request all sides de-escalate tensions in Gaza, including protecting the ability of peaceful protesters to do so without fear of violence.”
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