MY STATEMENT ON THE WAR IN ISRAEL, AND MY CALL FOR A LASTING PEACE
MY STATEMENT ON THE WAR IN ISRAEL, AND MY CALL FOR A LASTING PEACE
As we watch the violence continue in both Israel and Gaza with heavy hearts, I can’t help but think about the horrors I witnessed during my time serving this country in Iraq. Once unleashed, war brings out the worst of humanity – making the pursuit of peace both necessary and incredibly difficult to achieve.
The recent 7-day pause showed that a cessation to the violence in Israel and Gaza is possible, and now we must redouble our efforts to secure a permanent and mutual peace, predicated upon the following:
- The safe return of all hostages
- All perpetrators of rape and sexual violence brought to justice
- The demilitarization of Hamas and a commitment to free and fair elections in Gaza
- Recognition by Israeli and Palestinian leadership that both have the right to their own state, and a genuine commitment by both to pursue a two-state solution
- An end to settler violence in the West Bank, with those responsible held accountable
- A significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza
If you truly believe, like I do, that Israel has the right to exist and defend itself AND that the Palestinian people deserve to have their own state, I urge you to join me in this call for lasting security, dignity, and peace.