NM congressional delegation calls for humanitarian pause in Israel and Gaza

All five members of New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation released statements recently calling for a humanitarian pause in Israel and Gaza.

U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) encouraged the Biden Administration to work with Israeli, Egyptian and United Nations partners to transport fuel to sites in Gaza where it can be used immediately to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians. Heinrich and Luján released a joint statement led by U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

“We condemn Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, for which Israel must hold Hamas accountable,” the statement said. “In the course of that endeavor, every effort must be made to protect innocent civilians. Right now, hospitals in Gaza are hours away from running out of fuel that powers ventilators, incubators for babies, and other lifesaving equipment, and diseases are rapidly spreading without power to treat and pump clean drinking water. To prevent a potential health crisis and help save countless lives, we believe it is possible to transport fuel directly to these hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations with full transparency to prevent diversion to Hamas. There are extensive oversight mechanisms in place that will track the fuel deliveries directly to the intended sites where they can be used immediately to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians, including babies and children. We encourage the Biden administration to work with our Israeli, Egyptian, and UN partners to enable these lifesaving deliveries.”

Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) released the following statement calling for a humanitarian pause in Israel and Gaza:

“I join millions across the world, including dozens of our international allies, aid organizations and the administration in calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza to secure the safety and dignity of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. In the aftermath of October 7th, the world has watched in horror and grief at the brutal and barbaric attack by Hamas terrorists on Israeli soil and grieved for the over 1,400 Israeli lives and communities shattered by this attack. The right to human safety and dignity is a basic human right, and the right of Israel as a nation to secure its safety and defend against violent attacks and foreign enemies is essential. The U.S. and the international community stands with Israel and the Israeli people in their right to do so.

“Since the attack, millions of innocent Palestinian lives have been caught in the crossfire, as children and civilians have lost their lives and millions of innocent families have been desperately displaced without food, water, fuel and medicine. While the U.S. and other allies and organizations have been working around the clock to bring aid and secure the safety of innocent families, it is clear that a humanitarian pause is needed to prevent further suffering and loss of life. That is why the international community is calling for a humanitarian pause and stands with the Palestinian families grieving and suffering.

“As we continue to work toward a lasting peace in the region, we must recognize the inherent rights and dignity of Israeli and Palestinian lives. Just as we support our allies in their inherent rights, we cannot turn a blind eye to extremism that undermines peace, security, and democracy, either through violence or through policy. I stand resolute in my support for a two state solution and for a lasting peace across the region.”

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández released the following statement on the conflict between Israel and Hamas:

“I call for a humanitarian pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas. A pause would allow desperately needed aid to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza, provide time to negotiate the release of hostages who Hamas kidnapped, and help civilians reach safety. As the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas’ terrorist attacks, Israel must protect against the innocent loss of life. Hamas and its allies must also stop their attacks on Israelis. Civilians should not pay the price for Hamas’ terror.”

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez issued the following statement calling for a humanitarian pause:

“Two wrongs don’t make a right. The U.S. must not be complicit in the deliberate death and harm to civilians in Gaza. That’s why I’m calling on the administration to work with Israel and its partner nations to pause this conflict and ensure that food, water, fuel and medicine are available to civilians in Gaza and that they are kept out of harm’s way, as we work to release the hostages taken by Hamas.”