Quigley Statement on Resumption of Hostilities in Gaza

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement in reaction to the resumption of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas conflict:

“This week, Prime Minister Netanyahu resumed airstrikes in Gaza, shattering the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Nearly 600 Palestinians were reportedly killed over 72 hours, with hundreds more injured. Over the past nearly 60 days of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, 25 living Israeli hostages and eight dead hostages were finally returned to their families and hundreds of aid trucks entered Gaza. The path forward was clear: A second phase of the agreement where all remaining hostages were released and an end to the war was negotiated, followed by a final phase focused on Gaza’s reconstruction. 

“Hamas is an evil terrorist organization that cynically exploits civilians and has little to no regard for life - even the lives of other Palestinians. While Israel has the indisputable right to defend itself against Hamas, the way it conducts this war is important. Resuming the conflict, rather than continuing negotiations and reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement, only makes Israel and Israelis less safe. Israel and Hamas cannot return to their previous state of war that resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, the displacement of millions, and a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Though hostilities have resumed, it is imperative that all parties return to the negotiating table immediately. We must find a path to a lasting peace that ensures the release of the remaining hostages, security for Israelis and Palestinians, and lays the groundwork for a two-state solution.”