WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) today released the following statement on the escalating violence in the Middle East following Hamas’ attack on Israel earlier this month:

“I have grave concerns about the wisdom and military efficacy of an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. There is no doubt that an imminent ground invasion would be catastrophic for innocent Palestinians in Gaza and jeopardize urgent efforts to save hostages.

“Israel has the absolute right to attack Hamas for the brutal, heinous slaughter of more than 1,400 Israelis and the taking of more than 200 hostages.

“But, Israel also has a responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians living in Gaza, including one million children. Already, more than 5,000 Palestinians have died.

“The humanitarian conditions in Gaza are terrible and getting worse every day. One million Palestinians, including women and children, have been displaced. Most are living in the open—without food, without shelter, fuel, water, or access to medicine. United Nations relief efforts have begun but are unable to meet the extreme needs of the moment.

“A ground invasion would further exacerbate the dire conditions in Gaza.”

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Additional Background (as of 10.23.23):

• Aid from the U.N. has started to arrive, but it is not enough for the civilians in Gaza:
  • According to the U.N. 34 aid trucks have arrived, but at least 100 aid trucks are needed daily.
  • Gaza usually receives 455 aid trucks per day.
• More than 1,400 people in Israel have died.
• 222 people were taken hostage by Hamas.
• More than 5,000 people in Gaza have died.

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