Rep. Chu Statement on Israel’s War with Hamas and Need for Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement calling for humanitarian pauses in Gaza:

“Hamas killed more than 1,400 people and took more than 200 civilian hostages, including Americans, in an unconscionable, barbaric attack on October 7th. I am horrified by the stories I’ve heard about seniors, young music lovers and children being murdered and kidnapped by Hamas. Israel has a right to defend itself and, with our support, secure the safe release of these hostages.

“At the same time, the desire for short-term vengeance must not come at the expense of long-term peace. Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who have long too been victims of Hamas, have a right to their own security and must be provided every opportunity to seek safety and obtain humanitarian aid. I have been heart-broken by the reports of thousands of civilian casualties, especially the thousands of innocent children, who have died. The images coming from Gaza are absolutely heart wrenching. Israel’s bombings of the Jabalya Refugee Camp, which targeted a Hamas leader but resulted in many innocent civilians’ deaths, cannot be simply accepted as the cost of war.

“For these reasons, I join President Biden to call for humanitarian pauses that will provide the opportunity for the safe return of hostages, for civilians to flee harm’s way, and for humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies and other necessities, to flow into Gaza. I commend President Biden for the multilateral work he has already done to inject humanitarian assistance into Gaza and secure the safe passage of refugees fleeing violence, while also steadfastly supporting the Israeli people as they seek to bring Hamas to justice and secure hostages’ release. Humanitarian pauses will allow Israel to continue to work toward achieving these goals while alleviating the horrific conditions facing the innocent people in Gaza.

“I recognize that Hamas will undoubtedly take steps to prevent civilians from reaching safety during any pauses and will cynically use them to whatever advantage they can manage. This reality, however, does not negate the responsibility to protect innocent life.”