WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel:
“Exactly one year ago today, the world bore witness to one of the deadliest, most barbaric, and vile terrorist attacks on Israel in history.
“Entire families were murdered in their homes; music fans were slaughtered during a festival; and 240 women, men, children, and elders across Israel were forcibly taken hostage and brutally tortured by Hamas. The horrific events of that day will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Middle East. I vehemently condemn Hamas and its murderous campaign of terror launched against Israel and its innocent citizens on October 7, 2023.
“Let me be clear, Israel is a critical ally in the Middle East and I firmly believe she has the right to defend herself in accordance with international humanitarian laws and norms. To that end, I believe Israel is within her rights to take calculated actions to combat and eliminate terrorist threats and retrieve all hostages.
“I must also make clear that the spreading armed conflict now consuming the region has already left a lasting, multi-generational impact on innocent civilians on both sides of the Israel-Palestine border. The devastating loss of life, the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, and the sudden and mass displacement of millions is horrifying, and unbearable to witness.
“Furthermore, the lack of access to humanitarian aid for civilians in the Middle East is outright unacceptable. As President Biden has stated, we must immediately seek the cessation of all hostilities and guarantee protection and assistance to innocent civilians throughout the region, regardless of nationality or creed.
“As a Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I understand my responsibility and voice in the world’s most pressing matters and there is not a day that my staff and I are not working to help bring stability and security to the region, first and foremost by protecting and aiding all civilians and victims of war.
“In the remainder of my time in office, I am committed to working with anyone and everyone who will work with me to sensibly de-escalate the conflict, find ways to best support Israel, and provide essential assistance and protection to the Palestinian and Lebanese people.
“It is time we come together to establish and maintain peace in the region once and for all.”