Top Senate Democrat Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
Sen. Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, emphasized the urgency of halting the violence against innocent civilians in Gaza. He stressed the importance of the United States prioritizing efforts to achieve a ceasefire and ultimately resolve the conflict.
Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate from Illinois, expressed his concern on Sunday about the ongoing violence in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of putting an end to the killing of innocent people and called for a ceasefire to be secured. Durbin also highlighted the need for a resolution to the conflict in the long run.
During an interview with CNN's Dana Bash on "State of the Union," Durbin acknowledged Israel's right to exist and defend itself. He condemned the actions of Hamas terrorists on October 7 as outrageous and atrocious. However, he raised alarm over the high number of innocent casualties, with over 25,000 people reportedly killed in the process of targeting Hamas. Durbin expressed his worries that the situation has escalated from bad to worse.
On Friday, over 100 people lost their lives in northern Gaza as Israeli troops fired shots, causing chaos as hungry Palestinians gathered around food aid trucks. Witness accounts reveal that many victims were fatally injured by trucks during the chaos. According to Gaza's health ministry, over 30,000 individuals have perished since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started in October. Additionally, over half a million people in Gaza are facing the threat of starvation, as reported by United Nations agencies.
Durbin expressed his agreement with the recent remarks made by Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut in an interview with The Washington Post.
Murphy stated that if the war in Gaza continues to involve people getting shot and trampled as they struggle to access limited food and flour trucks, it is not beneficial for the United States to be involved in such a situation.
On Saturday, humanitarian aid was air-dropped into Gaza by the United States and Jordan. The US Central Command reported that 38,000 meals were dropped along the Gaza coastline.
Durbin expressed his support for airdrops of food as a positive step, but emphasized that it alone will not resolve the issue. He stressed the importance of President Joe Biden and the US advocating for a ceasefire and swift humanitarian aid response.
Additionally, Durbin highlighted the necessity of devising a strategy to end the conflict. He expressed concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on a two-state solution, stating that it does not offer much promise for resolution. Durbin urged the president to address these issues with Israel and other partners.
Durbin's remarks followed reports that Israelis have agreed to a six-week ceasefire proposal in Gaza. According to a senior official from the Biden administration, Hamas is pushing for a permanent ceasefire, as discussions resumed in Cairo on Sunday.
"We are currently negotiating a deal between Israel and Hamas for the return of hostages, along with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the next six weeks. Our goal is to facilitate the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip," stated Biden during a press conference at the White House on Friday.
People mourn as they receive the bodies of victims of an Israeli strike on March 3, 2024, in Rafah, Gaza.
People mourn as they receive the bodies of victims of an Israeli strike on March 3, 2024, in Rafah, Gaza.
Durbin shared his thoughts on the recent Democratic presidential primary in Michigan. Biden emerged as the winner, thanks to the support of over 100,000 voters who voted "uncommitted" following an initiative led by Arab American activists.
Durbin acknowledged to Bash that he could empathize with the protest vote, recognizing it as a valid expression of concern over the humanitarian crisis affecting their community.
When discussing matters within the country, Durbin, who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court's handling of the case regarding presidential immunity.
Their failure to promptly address this important matter will result in significant delays in resolving these cases, potentially extending beyond the upcoming election. It's quite disappointing," he expressed.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court announced its decision to review whether Donald Trump can assert immunity in special counsel Jack Smith's case involving election interference. This adds another high-stakes appeal from the ex-president to the Court's agenda, further postponing his federal trial.
The court expedited the case and will hear arguments the week of April 22.
