Quigley Calls for Recognition of Palestinian State
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement calling for the United States to recognize a Palestinian state:
“I am deeply horrified by the reporting and images coming out of the Gaza Strip. The killing of civilians and the forced starvation of thousands are abhorrent and must come to an end. To date, more than 60,000 Palestinians have died in this conflict, half of whom are women and children. More than 130 people have died of hunger. More than 1,000 have been shot while waiting for aid. More than 145,000 have been injured. The situation is untenable.
“The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, whose operations violate fundamental humanitarian principles, has proven incapable of safely delivering the humanitarian aid necessary to prevent mass starvation. Israel must immediately shut down this failed aid delivery apparatus and allow independent international actors to manage aid delivery, stop limiting the entry of humanitarian aid, allow a massive surge in food and medical supplies to enter Gaza, and take additional drastic steps to coordinate and facilitate the delivery of aid by other trusted, independent aid organizations. President Trump should leverage his relationship with Netanyahu, follow through on his word, and spearhead a U.S. effort to set up safe, accessible food centers in Gaza.
“Since October 7, I have consistently upheld Israel’s right to defend itself and have repeatedly called on Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release the hostages, and I reiterate this call today. But how Israel conducts itself in this war matters greatly. Over the past 18 months, I have become increasingly concerned by the rhetoric coming from some members of Netanyahu’s cabinet. This includes individuals like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have called for an end to humanitarian aid, “voluntary migration,” total occupation of the Gaza Strip, and the end of the effort to reach a two-state solution—all of which is tantamount to ethnic cleansing.
“The U.S. has failed to uphold and enforce international law. This must change. All future aid provided by the U.S. to Israel must face stringent oversight and review.
“I have also been deeply alarmed by the serious escalation in settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank. Israeli settler encroachment in the West Bank should come to an immediate end, violations and violence must be prosecuted fully by the Israeli government, and the U.S. government should sanction all perpetrators of this instability.
“The events of the last 20 months have made clear - Israelis and Palestinians will never be secure if the Israeli government continues to prevent the Palestinian people from having basic rights and dignity, with a state of their own, alongside Israel. The continuation of this conflict has empowered some of the worst forces in the two societies, and while those of us who want a better future for Israelis and Palestinians cannot wish it into existence, we can do our part to demonstrate a path towards a new horizon.
“Decisive steps are necessary to ensure the prospect of a Palestinian state does not slip away. Today, I am calling for the United States to officially recognize a Palestinian state. This not only ensures a peaceful future for the region but also the safety and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. While recognition cannot in one sweeping stroke create a state, and much work remains to be done, I issue this call to reaffirm my commitment to Palestinian self-determination and to make clear that Americans remain dedicated to ensuring the rights of the Palestinian people to a national homeland are recognized, respected, and fulfilled.”