Nydia M. Velázquez
Nydia M. Velázquez
23/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 24/07/2024 05:44
Velázquez Statement on Netanyahu’s Joint Address to Congress
July 23, 2024
Washington, D.C.-Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez issued the following statement ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress:
"On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress for a record fourth time. I will not be attending.
"Hamas' brutal and inhuman attack of October 7th took the lives of 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians, resulted in hundreds of Israelis and multiple Americans being taken hostage, and cast widespread fear for Israelis and Jewish people around the world. I was one of the first members of Congress from New York to condemn these heinous attacks. While Israel has the right to defend its borders and protect its citizens, since last October, Prime Minister Netanyahu has presided over a truly horrific war in Gaza. The military campaign in Gaza has unleashed unprecedented carnage on innocent Palestinians. At least 39,000 Palestinians, including 15,000 children, have lost their lives, tens of thousands more have been injured, millions have been displaced, and Gaza has been made unlivable for the Palestinian people.
"The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian disaster, and leaders in our government cannot simply sit back and watch it happen. That is why I have pushed for a permanent ceasefire and de-escalation since the early days of the war. It is clear that Prime Minister Netanyahu is a major obstacle to achieving a permanent ceasefire, securing the release of the remaining hostages, and ultimately achieving a two-state solution. From his conduct in this war to his actions to weaken Israeli Democracy, it is clear he is putting his political fortunes above the Israeli people. In the interest of protecting human rights and ending this terrible conflict, Congress should not welcome Netanyahu with open arms. That is why I will not attend his address."
"On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress for a record fourth time. I will not be attending.
"Hamas' brutal and inhuman attack of October 7th took the lives of 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians, resulted in hundreds of Israelis and multiple Americans being taken hostage, and cast widespread fear for Israelis and Jewish people around the world. I was one of the first members of Congress from New York to condemn these heinous attacks. While Israel has the right to defend its borders and protect its citizens, since last October, Prime Minister Netanyahu has presided over a truly horrific war in Gaza. The military campaign in Gaza has unleashed unprecedented carnage on innocent Palestinians. At least 39,000 Palestinians, including 15,000 children, have lost their lives, tens of thousands more have been injured, millions have been displaced, and Gaza has been made unlivable for the Palestinian people.
"The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian disaster, and leaders in our government cannot simply sit back and watch it happen. That is why I have pushed for a permanent ceasefire and de-escalation since the early days of the war. It is clear that Prime Minister Netanyahu is a major obstacle to achieving a permanent ceasefire, securing the release of the remaining hostages, and ultimately achieving a two-state solution. From his conduct in this war to his actions to weaken Israeli Democracy, it is clear he is putting his political fortunes above the Israeli people. In the interest of protecting human rights and ending this terrible conflict, Congress should not welcome Netanyahu with open arms. That is why I will not attend his address."
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