Subject: US Support of Israel's War On Gaza
Congressman Auchincloss:
The complicity of the government of the United States in the wholesale slaughter of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza - including thousands of CHILDREN - is absolutely repugnant and intolerable, both to myself, my family members, and my friends. It must end. I will be following your votes in the House on this subject with great care.
Dear Peter,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. I welcome the opportunity to respond to you directly.
On October 7, 2023, during celebrations of Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea. Hamas, whose founding charter is dedicated to destroying Israel and murdering Jews, is an internationally recognized terrorist organization that executed Israeli civilians, including babies, while using innocent Palestinians as human shields. In the initial attack, at least 33 American citizens were killed and over 200 civilians and soldiers, including children, were taken hostage by Hamas. The Hamas terrorist attacks and subsequent conflicts throughout the region have resulted in thousands of more deaths of Israelis and Palestinians, children among them.
Israel is a liberal democracy with the right and responsibility to defend itself and its citizens. Calls for de-escalation are premature. Israel needs the military latitude to re-establish deterrence in a hostile region, continue hostage rescue operations, and root out the nodes of terrorism. As Israel conducts its military response, I support upholding the law of armed conflict that is meant to protect the lives of civilians, and I appreciate the Biden Administration’s numerous statements to that effect.
Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve equal measures of freedom and security, and I have been clear in public and in conversations with Israeli officials that military action in Gaza must be accompanied by a post-Hamas political vision for just governance in Gaza. During the military operation, Israel and its supporters should make every effort to protect civilians suffering at the hands of Hamas in Gaza. I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Administration to provide additional humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, evacuate foreign nationals from Gaza, facilitate the return of hostages taken by Hamas, and maintain support for Israel’s right and ability to defend itself.
I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Egyptian Ambassador urging the Egyptian government to work constructively with the United States and Israel to establish a humanitarian corridor and safe zones in southern Gaza for civilians seeking refuge until they can safely return to their communities in northern Gaza. I also signed a letter to President Biden encouraging his administration to continue its efforts to secure safe passage for humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to prevent escalation on other fronts, including from Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border.
On October 18, 2023, President Biden announced that the United States will provide $100 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank through partners like the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations. This funding will support over one million displaced civilians’ ability to access clean water, food, hygiene support, medical care, and other essential needs. During his recent trip to the region, President Biden secured an agreement with Egypt to allow trucks carrying this critical humanitarian aid safe passage through the Rafah Crossing. The president has since requested further funding from Congress for efforts to stabilize conditions in the Middle East, which I will support.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me about this important issue. Your comments help me to better represent the people of our Congressional District. Please do not hesitate to email me through my website at www.auchincloss.house.gov or call my office at (202) 225-5931 if I can be of any further assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Jake Auchincloss
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I found Auchincloss' response to be ABSOLUTELY unacceptable.
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