Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s Statement on the Ongoing Violence in Gaza
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 16, 2023) – Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey released the following statement on the ongoing violence in Gaza:
“The images coming out of Gaza are horrifying. Thousands of Palestinians have been killed and so many more have fled their homes. I have seen Palestinians crying in agony while holding blood-stained toddlers, I have watched families digging through rubble searching for loved-ones, I have heard the doctors who refuse to leave patients as their hospitals fail. The pain, fear and anguish are palpable.
“The dire humanitarian situation unfolding before our eyes demands compassion and action. Over the last month, I have met with Palestinians and Muslims in Louisville, members of our Jewish community, as well as scholars, military, and intelligence officials in Washington, and two things are clear to me: (1) we must do all we can to protect innocent lives, and (2) nothing about this conflict is simple, even if we want it to be. I stand with Israel and its people, while opposing Prime Minister Netanyahu and the extremists in his party. Simultaneously, I stand with the Palestinians yearning for a future without war, while standing against Hamas both for what it has done to Israelis and to its own people. These truths can co-exist, even if it’s difficult to get to them on various social media platforms (or in response to a phone message).
“I remain deeply saddened by the terrorist attack on October 7th. The jarring images of terrorists paragliding into Israel, celebrating killing families in their homes, and dragging innocent Israelis into cars and taking them hostage are gut-wrenching. Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack killed over a thousand people, wounded thousands more, and took over 200 people hostage. American citizens are among the dead, wounded, and captive. I unequivocally condemn these attacks. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. At the same time, innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, half of whom are children who bear no guilt for Hamas’ terrorism, have the right to live free from violence.
“To pursue peace I believe we must free the hostages and avoid killing innocent civilians, even if they are being used as human shields by Hamas. For a two-state solution to become a reality, there must be an immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas, including innocent women and children, the dismantling of Hamas, and a ceasefire on both sides of the conflict.
“I support President Biden’s emphasis on the imperative to protect the lives of Palestinian civilians and reduce civilian harm in the course of Israel’s military operations. Additionally, innocent civilians must have access to food, water, fuel and medicine; that’s important to the values of peace, justice and freedom our country shares with Israel. I will continue to support the Biden Administration’s push for humanitarian pauses in order to get more critically needed aid to the people that need it most, and I will advocate for an immediate end to this war that stops the rockets going into and out of Israel, sees the safe return of all hostages, and removes the terrorist organization Hamas so a two-state solution can be realized.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring our country is a force for good and always uses its strength to protect democracy and innocent life. My heart aches for every Israeli and Palestinian family robbed of a loved one in this conflict. It’s important to know that some of our Louisville neighbors have lost family and loved ones in Gaza and others had family taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th. Our community is hurting. As a person of faith, I am praying for peace. I remain committed to finding a peaceful path to a two-state solution in the region, which means the release of the hostages, the dismantling of Hamas, and an end to this war."
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Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky’s Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs and House Small Business Committees.