Casten Calls for Humanitarian Pause in Gaza and Release of Hostages
Washington, D.C. — Today, U. S. Congressman Sean Casten released the following statement calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza to allow for aid to be provided to civilians and for hostages to be released:
“On October 7th, Hamas launched the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians in the country’s history. The three weeks since the attack have been heartbreaking. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed, thousands more have been injured, and over 200 civilians have been taken as hostages. These hostages must immediately be released and allowed to safely return to their homes.
“Israel has a right to defend itself in accordance with international law and root out the terrorists that have caused so much devastation. But Israel's war is against Hamas, and we must remind ourselves to separate that from the two million innocent civilians living in Gaza. Israel must take reasonable steps to ensure that civilians in Gaza have access to food, water, electricity, and medicine.
“Reports indicate that thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have died, and even more have been injured. I echo the calls of the Biden administration to implement a humanitarian pause to allow for this crisis to be addressed, needed aid to be delivered, and safe passage to be given to civilians in Gaza.
“The United States must continue to work with our allies across the globe to prevent further suffering for Israeli and Palestinian civilians, end Hamas’ terror, and establish peace in the region.”
On October, 13th, Rep. Casten joined a letter to President Biden expressing concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and asking for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor. Rep. Casten has previously advocated for civilians in Gaza who seek refuge to be given safe passage and be allowed to return.
# # #