Durbin Reflects On Suffering In The Middle East And Long-Term Path To Hope And Security

Floor Speech

"This Hamas attack was a reminder that there are still those who do not recognize Israel's right to exist and their right to self-defense. But it also raised larger questions about how Israel should defend itself, retaliate, and address the long-term need for two neighboring people to live in peace. I fear some of the important lessons we learned [from September 11th] the hard way have not been heeded by this Israeli government.

Last week, the leaders of some of the world's top relief organizations wrote in the New York Times that, "more children have been reported killed in this conflict than in all major global conflicts combined last year.'

Hospitals [in Gaza] have had to try to treat civilians without the most basic of medicines, using Tylenol and vinegar for disinfectant and amputations. There are growing fears that disease outbreaks will soon replace the war as the primary source of death in Gaza. This is simply not a sustainable strategy… I've also raised the humanitarian toll directly with Israeli officials. Basic medical needs--beyond treating the wounded--are staggering and include curbing a potential infectious disease outbreak and caring for thousands of expecting mothers.

This horrible conflict that has caused so much suffering is a wakeup call on the need for a two-state solution that allows for a viable Palestinian state living in peace, side-by-side, with a secure Israel. For years, I have warned that despite heroic attempts at such an agreement, spoilers on both sides have repeatedly undermined progress. So, we have two challenges, one immediate, to end the suffering and release the remaining hostages immediately, and the second, to finally commit to finding a two-state peace agreement. This will take leadership from the Israelis and Palestinians, and let me be blunt, I do not see the current leadership of either having the vision or political will to take this desperately needed step. But it is the only way forward. It is the only way that the region and international community will fully commit to helping rebuild Gaza and support a unified Palestinian leadership. It is the only way to end the threat of violence and bring a future of hope to both the Israeli and Palestinian people."

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