McCollum Statement on Vote for H.Res. 771

Ms. McCollum: Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.Res.771, the bipartisan resolution condemning the heinous October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas that have resulted in the senseless deaths of Israelis, Palestinians, and more than 30 American citizens. Hundreds remain missing and many are held hostage – including women, children, and even infants.

Savage attacks killing innocent civilians are never justified, and the Hamas attacks of October 7 were perpetrated against Israeli communities for the goal of annihilation. These crimes cross a red line and must be unequivocally condemned as they are clear violations of international human rights law.

Israel has a right to defend its citizens from this Hamas terrorism. But Israel’s response must be proportional and consider the innocent Palestinian lives at stake in Gaza. In the past two weeks, we have seen an escalating wave of violence across the region. It is clear that a broader conflict must be prevented. That is why I have publicly called on President Biden to work with all involved parties on negotiating an immediate regional ceasefire to avoid the loss of more innocent lives. A one-sided ceasefire is not sustainable and will fail. It must include Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and other parties, with the support of the international community.

The international community must also continue working together to facilitate critical humanitarian aid to Gaza—the population of which is nearly half children—so Palestinians have access to food, water, medicine, and fuel.

I also recognize that this violence is not just a far-away matter; it is hitting close to home. Many families here in the United States and overseas are living in unimaginable fear while mourning those they have lost. I am hearing from many Jewish constituents and community leaders who are in pain and who have loved ones among the injured, killed, or missing. I commend the U.S. State Department for their work bringing Americans home from Israel, but more work needs to be done—there are American citizens in Gaza who seek to come home and have been prevented from doing so.

I am deeply saddened and outraged about the brutal murder of an innocent six-year-old boy in Illinois, because he happened to be Palestinian-American. The violent, hate-filled targeting of Wadea Al-Fayoume or anyone else based on ethnicity or religious affiliation is unconscionable and should be condemned by everyone. Hate has no place in America, and Antisemitism and Islamophobia must not be tolerated.

It is my hope for the future that every Israeli child and every Palestinian child to be tucked into bed at night by their parents without fear of bombings and perpetual violence. All people deserve safety and security, and the only sustainable path forward is one where international human rights and international law are at the forefront and democratic ideals are upheld.

Thank you, and I yield back.