WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement on the ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine:

“I am extremely saddened by the number of lives lost in the region over the past several days.”

“Israel has been our nation’s closest ally in the Middle East, and it has the right to defend itself, as does every nation, against terrorist organizations such as Hamas which has contributed greatly to the destabilization of the region. However, that response should be appropriate and proportionate. Now is time for de-escalation, and I strongly support the international call for a cease fire.”

“I echo the statements made by the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations who over the weekend called on all sides to respect international humanitarian law. And, I deeply hope that the bloodshed stops and strongly encourage the United States to redouble our efforts to call for peace in the region.”

“The United States has worked hard to negotiate a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is advocating for a two-state solution that would recognize the statehood of both Israel and Palestine – a solution I strongly support, for the long term preservation of peace and for the survival of a democratic Jewish state.”

“On December 6, 2019, I joined 225 of my bipartisan colleagues in passing a resolution that recognizes that a negotiated two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians should be the goal of any American involvement in the region. I will continue to monitor this situation closely. It is my hope that the international community will continue to place the appropriate pressure on both sides to negotiate an end to the conflict and prevent further bloodshed.”