Heinrich, Vasquez condemn violence in Middle East

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined several of their colleagues in condemning the violence in Israel and Gaza.

Vasquez issued a statement Monday on the conflict.

“It is with a heavy heart that we witness the loss of innocent lives in this tragic conflict. My support for eliminating terrorist groups, such as Hamas, remains steadfast,” Vasquez said. “We cannot tolerate or condone acts of violence or terrorism that threaten peace, stability and the lives of innocent people worldwide. I strongly condemn Hamas and its actions that have brought suffering to Israeli and Palestinian communities.”

Vasquez recently signed on to a bipartisan resolution to condemn Hamas’ acts of terrorism on innocent civilians.

“We must all acknowledge that two wrongs don’t make a right. The United States and the administration must remain committed to upholding international laws and standards of war, especially during a very politically trying and emotional time,” Vasquez said. “Just as we are committed to protecting innocent lives in Israel, we must protect innocent Palestinian lives in Gaza and worldwide. It is imperative that this administration take the necessary actions to respect these humanitarian principles and take all necessary actions to stop the harm to innocent people, including children, families and the elderly. Both Israel and the Palestinian people deserve to live in peace.”

Vasquez also signed on to a bipartisan letter calling on the administration to replenish and release critical security assistance to Israel and to return all hostages, including Americans. The letter also urges the administration to pressure U.S. allies such as Turkey and Qatar to cease support for Hamas while holding Iran accountable for funding the Hamas terrorist organization.

“I call on all parties involved in this conflict to safeguard the safety of innocent civilians, particularly children, in Israel and Gaza. And I call for the immediate release of the hostages taken by Hamas,” Vasquez said. “The loss of so many lives caught in the crossfire is a tragedy that weighs heavy on my heart. In the strongest terms, I condemn all violence against civilians at home and abroad. As a House Armed Services Committee member, I stand ready to support diplomatic efforts and funding that aim to end the violence and attacks on innocent civilians. I know that by following our guiding principles, we can find a path forward that holds terrorists accountable and ensures the safety and well-being of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

Vasquez’s office has received several calls about constituents and their loved ones trying to leave Israel and Gaza. The office is doing everything possible to help people get home safely and encourages constituents to call 202-225-2365 or the State Department if they need assistance.

Heinrich and 34 other senators released a joint statement calling for emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza Thursday.

“We urge the swift implementation of sustained access for humanitarian aid, including water and medical supplies, to save civilian lives in Gaza,” said Heinrich and his colleagues.

Wednesday, Heinrich was part of a group of senators that are urging the Biden-Harris Administration, through U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to work with the international community in answering the United Nations’ call for emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

“The loss and tragedy in Israel and Gaza have been devastating. America must fight to always protect the innocent. Israelis and Palestinians deserve safety and peace,” Heinrich said. “That must include full adherence to international law and ensuring that humanitarian aid is delivered and civilians are protected. As we continue to stand by Israel’s right to defend itself, we must also state clearly that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad do not represent the Palestinian people.”

The group sent the following letter to Blinken:

“Dear Secretary Blinken,

“As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza prompted by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks, more than 1.2 million people are in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. More than one million people have fled the violence, stretching the already strained ability of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground to provide the food, medical treatment, and shelter they need to survive. In this context, the UN has released an emergency appeal for $294 million to address these humanitarian needs, help protect displaced people and save countless lives. We urge you to uphold our country’s proud tradition of leading the international community in providing lifesaving relief by contributing funding for international humanitarian assistance toward this UN appeal.

“We support Israel’s right to defend its people against the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas. Hamas knew that the Israeli government would have to respond to the unconscionable murder and hostage-taking of its citizens and thus bears the blame for initiating this conflict. We also know there are many innocent Palestinians in Gaza who do not support Hamas and urgently need help as they seek to flee the fighting. More than one million people in Gaza have fled their homes in search of safety, with nearly half of those taking shelter in UN facilities. The United Nations estimates that Gaza will run out of food and water within days. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, running desperately short on supplies and impacted by the lack of electricity. The humanitarian needs on the ground have dramatically increased over the past week, and conditions will likely continue to deteriorate in the days and weeks ahead.

“Displaced people around the world depend on lifesaving humanitarian assistance from the UN and its partners to feed their families, receive medical treatment, and secure shelter. The United States should continue its steadfast support for Israel while also doing our part to help the UN assist innocent civilians as they flee the violence. We therefore urge you to join the international community in answering the call from the United Nations by contributing toward this lifesaving $294 million appeal, and ask that you work with the UN and its partners to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended recipients without diversion or delay.”