Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) Statement on the Violence in Gaza

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my comments on H. Res. 34, a resolution which reaffirms
our commitment to Israel and its right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza and Hamas.
I have always been a strong supporter of Israel, and consider myself a good friend to Israel.
Israel’s right to exist as a country is unquestionable in my mind, and I support its right to defend
itself from those who would do harm to its people.
I also strongly support a durable and sustainable cease-fire in Gaza, and support a resolution to
the conflict through diplomacy and negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. I
have consistently supported efforts to increase peacemaking efforts in the region, including
asking the President to appoint a special envoy to the Middle East.
For these important reasons, I voted in favor of H. Res. 34. This resolution rightly reiterates our
support for the safety, security, and welfare of Israel. However, Madam Speaker, H. Res. 34 is
not perfect, and my vote for it today is not unequivocal. The resolution does not adequately
address the civilian casualties in Gaza, or the worsening humanitarian situation there. The world
has a responsibility to join together to help solve this crisis. I also hope that the incoming
Administration will turn this hope into reality.
The human consequence of this violence has taken a tragic toll on Gaza civilians, where access
to basic humanitarian needs is limited, and dangerous. Some reports by the International
Committee of the Red Cross describe the movement of ambulances and aid workers as extremely
difficult, and attribute that difficulty to Israel’s restrictions. In addition to this challenge, existing
hospitals are running out of fuel, power, and supplies to treat victims.
We are right to support Israel’s right to defend itself, but we must not forget that innocent Gaza
civilians are living under harsh, even desperate, conditions right now. Both the Israeli and
Palestinian people deserve to live a life free of the threat of attack or psychological fear. It has
always been my hope that our involvement in the region may be used to improve the lives of the
people affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Once again, Madam Speaker, my vote in favor of H. Res. 34 reflects my strong support for
Israel, but the severe humanitarian plight of Gaza civilians is something we must not ignore.
(January 9, 2009)