Dozens Of Senators Call For Cease Fire Between Israel And Hamas

Dozens of senators called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, in statements Sunday amid another night of rocket attacks and airstrikes.

One statement led by Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff gathered 28 co-signers, including Majority Whip Dick Durbin. A second statement followed from Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy and Indiana Sen. Todd Young, the top lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“To prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict in Israel and the Palestinian territories, we urge an immediate ceasefire,” Ossoff’s statement said.

“Israel has the right to defend itself from Hamas’ rocket attacks, in a manner proportionate with the threat its citizens are facing,” Murphy and Young said. “As a result of Hamas’ rocket attacks and Israel’s response, both sides must recognize that too many lives have been lost and must not escalate the conflict further.”

“We are encouraged by reports that the parties are exploring a ceasefire,” they added. “We hope that this ceasefire can be reached quickly and that additional steps can be taken to preserve a two-state future.” (RELATED: US Yanks Its Military From Israel, Warns Americans Against Traveling Due To Terrorist Groups ‘Plotting Possible Attacks’)

The Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system (L) intercepts rockets (R) fired by the Hamas movement towards southern Israel from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on May 14, 2021. (ANAS BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

Though Durbin signed on to Ossoff’s statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer did not. He, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden have insisted that Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks from Hamas, even as some Democrats have criticized their remarks defending America’s top Middle Eastern ally. (RELATED: The Israel-Palestinian Conflict Is Dividing Democrats)

Multiple reports have showed the damage in both Israel and Gaza from the barrage of rockets and airstrikes. Rockets from Hamas have killed 10 Israelis, including two children, while airstrikes into the Palestinian territory have killed 198 people, including 58 children, according to a BBC report.

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