Congresswoman Robin Kelly Calls for a Bilateral Ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

Since the horrific Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, I have thoughtfully engaged with communities who have a stake in the future of the Palestinian and Israeli people. I take my responsibility as a Member of Congress and defender of American interests seriously, and I do not consider our role in this conflict lightly.

Today, I am calling for a renewed, bilateral ceasefire agreement and I urge both Israel and Hamas to explore all possible paths to achieve a just and lasting peace. 

There is no moral equivalence between a deliberate attack on civilians and retaliatory military measures. By supporting a bilateral ceasefire, I support the immediate release of all hostages and the safety and dignity for all Palestinian and Israeli civilians. I support the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live without fear of violence, no matter where they live. I support meaningful humanitarian assistance including food, water, medical care, clothing, and emergency shelter for the people of Gaza, many of whom have been displaced. 

I commend the dedicated efforts of President Biden and Secretary Blinken as the Biden-Harris Administration continues to work tirelessly to negotiate the release of hostages and increase humanitarian assistance. I support the administration's continued efforts to forcefully advocate for the safety of all civilians. 

I support Israel’s right to defend itself. However, I fear that Prime Minister Netanyahu has ignored U.S.-led international efforts to achieve peace and instead has waged a war of vengeance. I urge the Israeli government to refocus their efforts completely on bringing hostages home and ensuring that all Palestinians and Israelis are able to live with dignity. The growing number of civilian casualties is unacceptable and will only deter a future peace agreement. 

The only way to build a lasting, durable peace that respects the dignity and humanity of both Palestinians and Israelis is a framework for coexistence that ends hostilities and relies on diplomatic negotiations. I am committed to a two-state solution as a framework for this lasting peace. 

It is incumbent upon both parties to negotiate an agreement that protects civilian life and forges a path for a future peace agreement. A negotiated, bilateral ceasefire must pave the way for a future that fosters peace, security, and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. 

It is in the interest of the United States and the global community to support such an agreement. Further, it is in our interest to continue to lead the international community as a beacon of peace and dignity for all people. 

It is incumbent upon me as a lawmaker, and as a human being, to put our shared humanity and collective fate above all else. Without a moral compass, there is nothing to guide us but our fear and our anger.