Durbin Statement On Escalating Violence In Israel

Statement

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding the escalating violence in Israel:

"The heartbreaking violence between the Israeli and Palestinian people is the culmination of decades of neglect and lack of political will to find a lasting peace that provides an independent state for the Palestinians and lasting security for the Israelis. For too long, spoilers on both sides have sought short-term political gains at the expense of this desperately needed solution. I fear further neglect of this issue, combined with a failure to address militarized Hamas and continued Israeli settlement expansion, will doom any chance for an enduring two-state solution.

"As such, the United States and its allies, including those in the region, need to fully reengage in this dispute and help bring a resolution to the immediate violence and progress toward a long-term peace agreement. Earlier this year, I wrote to Secretary Blinken about these concerns. I know he and President Biden understand the importance of finally addressing these critical needs for our Israeli and Palestinian friends whose children deserve to grow up in peace."

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