Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza:

“As a mother, each day has brought new heartbreak from the tragic, unnecessary suffering and death of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza, including women and young children. An immediate stop to the fighting – a ceasefire – negotiated and agreed to by both the Israeli government and Hamas is desperately needed to halt the bloodshed, ensure the immediate release of Israeli hostages, surge humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza, and return to the hard work of achieving a viable two-state solution in the region.”

“I recognize the challenges in this effort. Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist organization that has repeatedly stated its goal of eliminating Israel as a nation, must agree. So too must Prime Minister Netanyahu and members of his far-right government, who have repeatedly ignored pleas from the Israeli people, including families of hostages still held by Hamas, to negotiate a ceasefire that would allow for the remaining Israelis in captivity to come home. I am grateful the Biden administration has been working tirelessly toward this goal for months, and I encourage the President and his team to redouble their efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire as soon as possible.”

“Israel has been an important ally and partner to the United States for generations. I will continue to support their right to protect the Israeli people from the threat of terrorist organizations like Hamas that have no interest in governing Gaza and securing a prosperous future for its people. However, Israel’s right to defend itself, like any nation, is not without bounds. The current situation – the deaths of thousands of innocent Palestinian families – is unacceptable, and it must stop without delay. Only then can we begin the difficult work of ushering in a new era of peace.”

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