WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on Secretary Blinken’s meetings in the region to discuss the war against Hamas in Gaza:
“On the occasion of Secretary Blinken’s fourth visit to the region since the attacks of October 7, I echo the Secretary’s key messages. I welcome Israel’s intended withdrawal of select forces in northern Gaza, as well as its plans for a more targeted phase of operations in the north. The Israeli government must continue to implement more careful targeting in their operations in southern Gaza as well, protect civilians from harm, and allow for the increased flow of desperately needed humanitarian assistance. I join Secretary Blinken in underscoring the U.S. position that Palestinians not be resettled outside of Gaza, and appreciate the Israeli government’s reaffirmation to the Secretary that such displacement is not Israeli policy. I also echo his call for the release of revenues to the Palestinian Authority to help pay those who are providing essential services and security in the West Bank, which serves Israel’s and the United States’ interests.
“After ensuring that Hamas can never again perpetrate terrorist attacks like those of October 7, Israel’s long-term security rests in a negotiated, two-state solution that results in two states for two people: a Palestinian state side by side with Israel co-existing in equal measures of mutual recognition, security, prosperity, and dignity.
“I strongly support Secretary Blinken’s efforts to do everything we can to do to bring the hostages home to their loved ones.”
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