Lowering the Temperature in Gaza and At Home

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, more than 1 month after the October 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas, the number of people killed during this horrible conflagration tragically exceeds well over 11,000 lives:

Over 1,400 Israeli civilians, including women and children; over 10,000 Palestinian civilians, nearly half women and children, with at least 20 U.S. citizens still being held by Hamas among 240 hostages.

The latest war follows wars between Israel and Hamas in 2008, 2008- 09, 2014, and all these ended in cease-fires with no resolution.

The question is what will be the plan for stabilizing this chronic standoff.

How will Gaza be governed going forward?

The diplomatic path forward being forged by several Arab nations, Fatah, some European states, the Arab League, and the United Nations is constructive. Let us promote it and elevate it.

Earlier this week, President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Both acknowledged the value of a multi-day pause in fighting to secure the release of hostages and ensure that humanitarian relief can reach those in need. Let us echo the call for such a pause and let the violence and retribution once and for all end through diplomatic initiatives.

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