U.S. Representative Panetta Statement on Violence in Israel

Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) released the following statement in response to escalating violence in Israel:

'The onslaught of indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel is despicable and I unequivocally condemn the deadly assault by Hamas. By taking advantage of the heightened tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, Hamas engaged in accelerated rocket attacks for its own destructive purposes and not for the benefit of the Palestinians. The terror of Hamas does nothing to advance the interests of the Palestinian people, and severely limits Israeli options to protect civilian life when acting in self-defense.'

'I commend President Joe Biden and his administration for their aggressive diplomatic efforts to engage with regional partners and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East for an immediate cease fire and to prevent further civilian casualties in Israel and Gaza.'

'Efforts by both Palestinian and Israeli leaders to negotiate in good faith have been stagnant for too long, and we are now seeing the tragic outcome. Palestinian and Israeli leaders must realize that they can no longer just manage their disputes and must revitalize negotiations as soon as possible. Although the legality of the planned evictions in East Jerusalem has yet to be decided by the courts, such steps will uproot Palestinians who have lived there for decades and will inflame tensions and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. It is critical that the United States continue to urge leaders of all faiths and all partners in the region to deescalate the violence and escalate the efforts for peace.'