Press Releases

Chester, PA — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today released the following statement:

“The horrific terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas and the war that has followed have caused immeasurable pain and existential fear across our community. I hear daily from Jewish and Muslim constituents who have lost loved ones, who fear for their own safety and that of relatives in Israel and Gaza, and who fear, with good reason, that this terrorist attack has seriously undermined prospects for peace negotiations and regional stability. The events of the past few weeks have shattered our sense of security here at home.

“I continue to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ shocking terrorist attack on Israel. I’ve also called for the immediate safe return of all those taken hostage by Hamas. 

“We must have a shared objective to bring an end to these cycles of violence and suffering in order to achieve a two-state solution and lasting peace. I am grateful for the Biden Administration's efforts to encourage all parties to adhere fully to international humanitarian laws and to take all due measures to protect innocent civilians from harm, and applaud continuing efforts to forge agreements to return hostages, allow evacuations, and delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid. 

“I strongly support the right of Israel to defend its people and respond to these vicious attacks, and join in the call to end Hamas’ operational control and its hateful ideology. I recognize the devastating toll this is taking on the Israeli population, and I’m committed to ensuring Israel’s security. I have also joined calls for legislation to fully fund President Biden’s request for security and humanitarian aid in support of Israel and other allies. 

“I share the humanitarian concerns of so many for the health and safety of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, particularly the children who are victims of this conflict. I have called upon the Administration to promote plans to protect civilians as well as strategic objectives for de-escalation, and to engage regional parties and international humanitarian organizations to achieve regional stability.  

“We must also recognize the collective trauma that this conflict has unleashed among members of our community. I will continue to demand accountability and stand against Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all efforts to divide Americans against one another.”

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