Rep. Takano Joins Letter Condemning Hamas Attacks, Urging Protection of Innocent Civilian Lives
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) joined Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), James P. McGovern (MA-02) and 50 of their colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken. The letter condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas against the people of Israel, called for Israeli military operations to follow the rules of international humanitarian law, and urged for the continuation of work toward peace in the region.
The text of the letter can be found here. Rep. Takano released the following statement:
“There is no question about Hamas’ full culpability in their shocking and deadly attacks against Israel. I stand with the people of Israel, support their right to defend themselves, and grieve for the hostages taken and the lives lost in the attacks.
“It is also crucial for Israel to safeguard the humanitarian rights and protections of innocent civilians as this conflict ensues, even as Hamas has refused to do so in their brazen attacks against civilians and other Israeli population centers.Civilians in Gaza must have access to food, water, fuel, electricity, internet, and other necessities and must not be the deliberate target of retaliatory strikes. Those being encouraged to leave must be given the ability to travel safely within a reasonable amount of time.
“Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve human rights protection, and we must stand firmly against any actions to the contrary.”