Rep. Takano Calls for a Bilateral Ceasefire in Gaza
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement calling for a bilateral ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“I am heartbroken by the end of the limited ceasefire that was negotiated and extended in late November, which allowed for the exchange of hostages and prisoners and delivered much-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The creation of a lasting peace in Israel and Palestine requires a restoration of the bilateral ceasefire in Gaza, to allow for the release of Israeli and American hostages, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and to create space for resumed diplomatic negotiations.
“The brutal attack on Israel by Hamas in which more than 1,000 Israelis were killed has led to unimaginable suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. I believe Israel has the right to defend itself against such attacks, and I support the efforts of the Biden Administration to secure the release of the hostages taken on October 7. However, the last two months of fighting, which have cost the lives of more than 20,000 Palestinian civilians, have illustrated that there is no military solution here. Diplomacy is the only real path forward.
“I believe that this conflict has made it clearer than ever that a two-state solution is necessary for longterm peace and stability in the region. However, no progress towards permanent peace can be made without a resolution of the present crisis. The future we must commit ourselves to is one in which Israelis and Palestinians live with peace, dignity, and self-determination in neighboring states."