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Quigley Statement on Violence Against Civilians in the West Bank and Gaza

July 22, 2025

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on recent violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip:

“I was horrified by the murder of 20‑year‑old Palestinian‑American Sayfollah ‘Saif’ Musallet in the West Bank. There must be an independent investigation into Saif’s murder, and those responsible must be held accountable.

“I am a proud cosponsor of the West Bank Violence Prevention Act to bring an end to violence in the West Bank and ensure that any perpetrators are brought to justice. Amid their grief, Saif’s family has asked only for an end to the violence in the West Bank. Congress must do our part to provide them that justice.

“Over the weekend, I was equally horrified by the 94 Palestinians who were killed while seeking food aid and at least 33 people, including 12 children, who died of starvation. The time for Israeli reassurances about food aid has long passed. The United Nations must resume full control of humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip. More than 80 children have died of malnutrition since the war began, and 90,000 women and children are now in urgent need of treatment. These conditions are unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“As Israel’s closest ally, we have an obligation to hold our friends to the same standard we would any other international actor. That is why I am urging an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to immediately reinstate UN control over humanitarian aid distribution.”