Quigley Statement on Ongoing Conflict in Middle East

“The October 7th terrorist attack was the greatest assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. For the hostages still being held by Hamas and their families, the nightmare is not over. Israel is an important ally to the United States as the only democracy in the region and I support their efforts to dismantle Hamas and bring the hostages home. If they are to ensure security for the next generation, Netanyahu must target Hamas surgically and with the protection of innocent Gazans in mind.

“Thus far, Netanyahu’s strategy has not achieved Israel’s goals and instead has had devastating humanitarian consequences. We have seen 31,000 Palestinians, including over 12,000 children, killed. The level of destruction and death in Gaza is not only excessive but also ineffective. Current tactics play directly into Hamas’ hands by essentially serving as a recruitment tool for the terrorist group. As we have seen, it has already emboldened bad actors in the region who wish to harm not only Israel, but the United States as well. The current strategy has also failed to re-establish trust between Netanyahu’s government and his citizens.

“The steps forward are clear.  I strongly support President Biden's efforts to reach a ceasefire. As virtually no aid has successfully made its way to Gazans, ensuring its delivery is paramount; allowing for the release of the remaining hostages, and laying the groundwork for a permanent resolution to this conflict must be the immediate next steps. Ending the fighting is not just a moral imperative, it is the most effective approach to ensure Israel’s security and mitigate the disastrous conditions impacting Gazans. Netanyahu must contemplate what his actions mean for the future of Israel and for Palestinians. He must look to the day after fighting ceases and in doing so, establish a brighter vision for both Israelis and Palestinians. 

“A two-state solution remains the only tenable diplomatic resolution to this crisis. Humanitarian aid must also remain a priority. The Israeli Defense Forces must ensure that aid reaches those in need and that they establish a more permanent means to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. A lasting resolution must also include reforming the Palestinian Authority, so the Palestinian people have a legitimate governing body that works on their behalf. The Arab States must facilitate these reforms while also providing Israel with security assurances. Israelis and Palestinians both have a right to exist peacefully – the United States must work toward that end."