Statement by Rep. Panetta on the Conflict Between Israel and Hamas

Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released a statement on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas:

“I support efforts to significantly degrade and, ultimately, destroy the Hamas terrorist organization.  Israel must do all it can to defend itself from that existential threat by ensuring that Hamas can never again carry out terrorist attacks.  The bloodthirsty atrocities of October 7th committed by Hamas upon innocent Israeli civilians make that objective crystal clear.

“That goal, however, will more likely be achieved by minimizing the suffering and casualties of peaceful civilians in Gaza in accordance with the international laws of war.  Although Israel has called for an evacuation of Northern Gaza, more must be done to aid innocent civilians who are fleeing or forced to stay in Gaza.  More food, water, medical supplies, and other essential humanitarian aid must be allowed into Gaza and given directly to its peaceful population who have nothing to do with Hamas’s deplorable attacks.

“Abiding by these standards during any conflict is difficult, especially when confronting an enemy, like Hamas, that uses innocent civilians as hostages and human shields.  There is a real risk that, even with safeguards, Hamas will steal the humanitarian aid and use it as leverage to threaten and force Palestinians to stay in Gaza.  But preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is essential to Israel’s success and security of the region.  There must be efforts by all nations for swift and sustained humanitarian relief to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians, including those fleeing or forced to stay in Gaza.  Further, a humanitarian crisis in Gaza will undercut Israel’s efforts to defend itself due to international pressure, be used as a recruiting tool for Hamas, and increase the risk of drawing in regional terrorist organizations and expanding the conflict.

“More efforts also must be taken to reduce the impacts of Israel’s military campaign on peaceful civilians in Gaza.  If and when feasible, Israel should allow for humanitarian pauses in fighting so that Hamas can release all hostages and more aid can be delivered to innocent civilians, including those who are fleeing or forced to stay in Gaza.  The precision bombing and targeted ground incursions exercised by Israel should be done in a way to minimize civilian casualties to the greatest extent possible.

“The United States must not choose between supporting Israel and aiding peaceful Palestinian civilians.  It can and must do both.  Certainly, there is risk in that approach as Hamas’s principal military asset is its use of civilians and civilian infrastructure like hospitals, mosques, and schools to protect and hide fighters and weapons.  But the fight against Hamas will not be won in weeks or months.  It will be a long difficult struggle that Israel is more likely to win if, unlike Hamas, it helps provide humanitarian assistance, minimizes civilian casualties, abides by international laws of war, and acts in accordance with our shared democratic values.”

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