WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) issued the following statement on recent violence in the Middle East: 

“The escalating violence in the Middle East is heartbreaking. The loss of any civilian life, be it Israeli or Palestinian, is a great tragedy. As a person of faith, I continue to pray for the children of the region and for the emergence of peace. 

Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization that must cease and desist its rocket fire immediately. Israel has the right to defend itself from these missile strikes, which indiscriminately target civilians, using necessary and proportionate force as would any country. 

In addition, any and all activity by extremist groups in the Holy City that undermines the rule of law in advance of the pending court decision on land dispute matters must end. Led by the United States, we must all redouble our efforts to bring about a lasting two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel living side by side with a self-governed and demilitarized Palestinian state.”