Today, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) made the following statement in support of a humanitarian pause in Gaza:

“Hamas is a terrorist organization that has attacked and killed Israelis, destabilized the region, and forced the Palestinian people of Gaza into a crisis. Hamas’ despicable actions, including the taking of hostages and the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields, have supercharged the current conflict. Innocent Palestinians, including over 1 million children, are suffering without access to food, water, medical treatment, and safe shelter.

“As the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself, we must show leadership to reduce harm, including civilian casualties, to Palestinians and facilitate the immediate delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid. Hamas has wrought terrible pain on innocent people in Israel and Gaza, and the United States should continue working to secure the release of hostages, eliminate the threats of Hamas’ terrorism, and lay the foundation for enduring peace. Consistent with these goals, the United States should work with our allies on a humanitarian pause to allow civilians to receive necessary aid.”

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