Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) Statement on the Violence in Gaza

Madam Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 34. War is ugly. That is why it took more than 6,000 or
so rockets before Israel decided to defend herself. There is no doubt that we, as Members of
Congress, wrap ourselves around the need for humanitarian aid and relief. We too feel the pain
of loss of life.
But I think it is important to understand the resolution. It gives a wonderful roadmap for the
decision of peace, a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine.
But what it does say, and what all of us have to commit ourselves to, is that no nation can stand
for the extinguishing of other people in another sovereign nation. All Hamas has to do is to stand
for the dignity and integrity of the Palestinian people, to allow Israel to survive and stand, to
commit to its existence and to promote the survival of its people.
We must rally around people, women and children and families. But we cannot engage in peace
unless all stand down.
This resolution is a roadmap for that. It is to encourage Egypt to continue in the peace process. It
is to close the tunnels. It is to make sure that we are supporting the dignity of all.
I support this resolution. I beg the people of Palestine to stand up for dignity, peace, democracy
and freedom for all. (January 9, 2009)