Senator Baldwin Statement on the Ongoing Israel-Hamas War
WISCONSIN – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war:
“Hamas’s October 7th terrorist massacre has led to unbearable suffering in Israel, Gaza, and around the world. As I have said before, I support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, bring hostages back home, and end the terrorist organization’s threat – but it does not have the right to go to war against innocent Palestinian people. Eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and protecting civilians are not mutually exclusive aims.
“Unfortunately, the Netanyahu government’s indiscriminate bombing and military approach has led to unacceptable bloodshed in Gaza and does not appear to be moving us closer to our ultimate goals of removing Hamas from power and achieving a lasting peace in the region through a two-state solution. Preservation of innocent lives and civilian infrastructure is not just morally right, but also necessary to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region moving forward.
“I support the resumption of a humanitarian ceasefire, in order to accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid, protect innocent civilians and civilian sites, and negotiate the release of the hostages taken on October 7th. This is only possible if both Hamas and the Israeli government cooperate. As we look ahead, the United States needs to continue to do more to urge Israel to protect Palestinian civilians, facilitate humanitarian efforts, and play a more active role in helping create a two-state solution – something I have long supported – to ensure that both the Palestinian and Israeli people have the right to self-determination, safety, and security.”
In response to ongoing war and the growing humanitarian crisis, Senator Baldwin supports the following actions:
- An immediate humanitarian ceasefire that ensures the unconditional release of all hostages and full humanitarian access to Gaza, agreed to by both Israel and Hamas.
- Adherence to International Humanitarian Law by all parties and the protection of all civilians and civilian sites.
- Increased humanitarian aid access to prevent starvation and an even more severe public health crisis, including maintaining the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and any other steps needed to allow the sustained delivery of the basic essentials in quantities sufficient to meet the current need.
- The United States to provide immediate humanitarian aid to help those in Gaza.
- Access to prompt medical attention for sick and wounded civilians, both within Gaza as well as the option to evacuate to a neighboring country for medical care.
- Hamas to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have access to the hostages while the United States and Israel work to secure their release.
- Ensure no Palestinians are forcibly removed from Gaza.
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