Rep. Harder Calls for Bilateral Ceasefire to Protect Innocent Lives

A Statement from Representative Josh Harder (CA-9):

The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate and is undeniably a humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands of innocent lives have been lost and Gazan families are living in a nightmare. Food shortages are rampant, water is in low supply, and there are very few options to escape the unrelenting barrage of bombings. The images we’re seeing and stories we’re hearing are at times too much to comprehend. But we cannot look the other way. 

I have had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you about the ongoing bombardment of Gaza. I share your feelings of heartbreak, frustration, and outrage. 

Let me start by saying I unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th, and I believe Israel has a right to keep her people safe and secure. And let me be absolutely clear – innocent Gazans should not be held responsible for the actions of Hamas. I condemn all indiscriminate attacks on peaceful men, women, and children. 

Even before this current conflict, the situation in Gaza was unsustainable. For years, I have called for a two-state solution that provides an independent and democratic state for Palestinians to live freely and safely. I’ve also consistently spoken out against extremist settlers in the West Bank who violently target Palestinians. I’ve taken some heat for these positions in the past, but I took them because I knew they were the right thing to do.  

Unfortunately, the conflict today is a result of decades of failures. We now find ourselves in an untenable situation with hostages in danger and a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. 

After many conversations with our community members, I am now calling on the Biden Administration and the entire U.S. Government to join me in supporting a bilateral ceasefire agreement. I am calling for an end to all current hostilities in order to save millions of innocent lives. 

This agreement must include a few key pillars. First, it must contain substantial humanitarian assistance to Gaza. I voted against a supplemental funding bill for Israel because it did not include assistance to Gaza, and I continue to believe this assistance is vital. The agreement must also include a framework that creates a lasting two-state solution so Palestinians have their own independent, democratic state. Finally, the agreement must include the immediate release of all remaining hostages and the removal of Hamas from operational control of Gaza. I believe with these actions we can end current hostilities and build a plan for permanent stability in the region.

I will continue to push the Biden Administration on these points, and I join my colleagues in calling for an end to the violence. Now more than ever, we must come together to reject hatred, protect innocent lives, and build a future rooted in peace for all our families and loved ones.