Statement by Rep. Mikie Sherrill on the Crisis in the Middle East

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement:

“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is untenable and worsening. It goes without saying that a deep respect for humanity, including all of the civilians in Gaza, is embedded in our democratic values. While progress has been made – the opening of the Rafah Crossing, the increased cadence of aid shipments, and four-hour humanitarian pauses in fighting – it is clear that more must be done. Humanitarian pauses must be extended to include discussions with partners in the area to determine how to get medical aid to civilians away from areas, including hospitals, where Hamas is operating. And the United States must continue to use its voice to urge our Israeli allies to do everything they can to prevent further civilian casualties.

“I will continue to call for a pause in fighting to allow for the evacuation of civilians and the safe and effective delivery of aid – including food, water, and medical care – while fully supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and to eliminate Hamas’ ability to repeat the atrocities of October 7. As a veteran and a member of the Armed Services Committee, I value Israel’s security, and strongly support our country’s role in the safety of our ally. This is an incredibly difficult task for Israel as they attempt to end Hamas’ brutal control and use of civilians as human shields. But Israel has a responsibility to work towards a better future for the region and develop a strategic plan to do so. I continue to work to ensure that Israel has the resources it needs to deter Iran, defend its population from attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah, and prevent the conflict from spreading in the region. Likewise, I am advocating to ensure that any package of security assistance from Congress includes much-needed humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians. Furthermore, our other regional partners – Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar among them – will be crucial in ensuring that Palestinians have the peaceful and prosperous future they deserve.

“The current conflict has led to mass civilian casualties and the ramifications are far reaching, with risks of creating generational trauma that in the long run, will make Israel and the entire region less secure. It is crucial that Israel clearly articulate its strategic goals – tangible, deliverable benchmarks, including the immediate release of hostages, and a sustainable plan for the future of Gaza, something that Prime Minister Netanyahu seems unwilling or unable to do. We must all pursue a peaceful, secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians.”