Rep. Stansbury's Statement Calling for a Bilateral Ceasefire

WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) issued the following statement calling for a bilateral ceasefire and pathway to peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict:

"As the world has watched in horror and grief at the violence and loss of life unleashed by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th—and a war that has now claimed over 1,200 Israeli and 24,000 Palestinian lives—we must urgently work to secure a negotiated ceasefire and long-term path to peace.  

"These efforts must ensure an end to the violence that has devastated these communities, the release of all remaining hostages, and ensure the safety, security, and self-determination of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

"The unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas, including the killing of Israeli families, kidnapping of 240 hostages, and horrific acts of violence committed against women and children have left scars that will be carried forward for generations. We must continue to unequivocally condemn these brutal acts, which were committed by Hamas with the intent of inciting further violence. As a key ally to the United States, we recognize and support Israel’s responsibility to secure the safety and security of its communities and to bring justice to the terrorists responsible for these horrific attacks. 

"However, the devastating civilian death toll in Gaza and loss of over 24,000 Palestinian lives, including thousands of women and children, and displacement of nearly 2 million people—require urgent action. This includes addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza which has left countless Palestinian families without food, water, shelter, and medicine, on the brink of starvation, injured, and grieving the catastrophic loss of loved ones. This crisis necessitates urgent diplomatic action by the U.S. and its allies to help end the violence, secure humanitarian aid, and support a viable path to peace.

"Such diplomatic efforts against the backdrop of increasing regional security concerns are especially crucial to prevent further escalation of violence in the region, which could threaten the lives and security of many others and risk further U.S. military engagement and servicemember lives in the region. This is a course of action that we absolutely cannot afford to take.

"Beyond the immediate conflict, a viable long-term path to peace is critical to ensuring the dignity, safety, and self-determination of the Israeli and Palestinian people, the reconstruction and rebuilding of communities destroyed by war, and humanitarian assistance for those whose lives have been shattered by violence.

"At the same time, we must address the alarming rise in antisemitism, anti-Arab, and Islamaphobic hate and violence that have been unleashed here in the United States and across the world by this conflict. Now, more than ever, we must listen to our communities, foster understanding, and ensure these voices are heard. It is clear that the safety and well-being of our communities and our democracy depend on it.

"As your Congresswoman—I work every day to ensure our office is rooted in the values and voices of our communities and a shared commitment to justice and human rights. This conflict has opened deep wounds across our communities and I am grateful to all who have shared their stories, perspectives, and voices and given me the opportunity to listen and grieve with you. There is much more listening and healing to be done. But, today we must call for an immediate end to the violence and a lasting peace."

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