Pocan Calls for Cessation of Hostilities, Humanitarian Aid in Israel & Gaza
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement on his call for a cessation of hostilities towards civilians by all parties in the war between Israel and Hamas and for a robust humanitarian aid package:
"The situation in Israel and Gaza continues to deteriorate. While the violent attack by Hamas on the Israeli people was brutal, it has lessened, and the retaliation by Israel toward Hamas is in full swing.
“My concern, however, is that the retaliation by Israel is less targeted at Hamas or Islamic Jihad, and more closely resembles a collective punishment against all Palestinians and others living in Gaza. From public comments to the sheer volume of bombs and areas targeted, this attack does not appear to be strategically targeting Hamas as originally stated.
"I join the many humanitarian groups working in Gaza in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities towards civilians by all parties in this war. Both the overly broad retaliation of the Israeli government and the continued random missile fires of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad must stop.
“Further, we must help facilitate essential and life-saving assistance, including food, water, medical supplies and more to Gaza. We must also do more to provide for humanitarian access to these supplies and corridors for people who want to leave troubled areas, and any hostages held by Hamas must be released immediately.
“Additionally, the aid needed to help in Gaza from the United States must be robust. While I appreciate the initial $100 million announced by President Biden in aid to Gaza and the West Bank, we all know much more is needed to help in the initial estimate of $3-5 billion that is necessary. As a supplemental funding bill for Ukraine, Israel, and more moves forward, we must ensure it includes robust funding for humanitarian aid for both Israel and the impoverished people of Gaza.
“There is something that clearly links the people of both Israel and Palestine: there are way too many deaths of children that should never have occurred. This must stop, without excuse or hesitation.”