Prominent Black Political Figures Share Their Thoughts on Israel & Gaza

“We need to save lives urgently,” says Representative Bush. “Calls for de-escalation alone and compliance with international law, it’s just not enough given the atrocious and escalating violence that we’re seeing...[This] is one of the areas where we could step in and do something about the bloodshed. Do something about the horrific killing of children, women, seniors, and people across Palestine, Gaza, but also Israel.”

As we have constantly made clear, our support for Israel’s security is unwavering, and Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas terrorists. And let us be clear: Terrorism is never justified. And as I said yesterday, Israelis and Palestinians must have equal measures of security and prosperity. (Applause.)

And I support the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self-determination. (Applause.) Hamas does not represent these aspirations.

And I will emphasize, the Biden-Harris administration stands with the Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities in our country, all of whom deserve safety and security.

“The loss of every Palestinian, Israeli, and American life we have seen in the past week is absolutely devastating and the grief and trauma in our communities is palpable. The murder of innocent Israeli civilians by Hamas is horrific and unacceptable. And the murder of innocent Palestinian civilians is a horrific and unacceptable response,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “With over 2,600 Palestinians, more than 1,400 Israelis, and 30 Americans killed, scores of others wounded, hostages’ lives at risk, and millions in Gaza lacking food, electricity, and clean drinking water, we must pursue an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and save lives. The United States has a moral obligation to get Americans in Gaza and Israel safely home, save Israeli and Palestinian civilian lives, and ensure humanitarian assistance is provided to Gaza. Our shared humanity is at stake and we must move with urgency.”

“Hamas’ unconscionable acts of violence, kidnapping, and terror targeting Israeli families, children, the elderly, and other civilians must be met with unwavering international condemnation. Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks and to ensure that something like October 7th never happens again. Palestinian civilians are not to blame for Hamas’s terror and are also victims of Hamas’ brutality. We must all prioritize the protection of innocent Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire and ensure that life-saving humanitarian assistance is able to enter Gaza and reach those in need.”

Senator Booker continued, “Hamas’s unprecedented attacks against Israel came at a time when new normalization conversations and new opportunities to lay the groundwork for a two-state solution were occurring. I don’t think this timing was a coincidence. The world cannot give in to terrorists’ efforts to disrupt progress toward peace. Affirming and protecting Israel’s right to exist as a democratic Jewish state and ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a state of their own are both necessary components of any real and lasting peace in the region. It is clear that normalization and peace talks are more necessary than ever.”

“We are watching an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe as a result of the Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Over a million people have now been displaced from their homes, nearly 3,000 have been killed—1,000 of them children. Human rights groups have put forward credible reports of white phosphorous being used in civilian areas—a war crime. Electricity remains cut off, with many hospitals on the brink of collapse today. We must be clear: violence does not justify more violence. Killing innocent children and civilians will only exacerbate the violence we have seen, and do nothing to bring about a political solution. We must urge an immediate end to the violence in Gaza, a release of the hostages still held in Gaza and at long last steps towards justice and peace,” said Congresswoman Omar.

There is national walkout across the nation of colleges and universities. I’m on my way to UCLA to be in deep solidarity with all students who are in solidarity with our precious Palestinian brothers and sisters against the genocidal and barbaric attack on Gaza! We want freedom across the board, we want equal dignity, equal rights, and equal status for Palestinians and Israelis! #TruthJusticeLove #EndTheGenocideInGaza #Palestine #Israel