Van Hollen, Shaheen, Murphy, Kaine Issue Statement Expressing Concern About the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), all senior members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following joint statement regarding the deteriorating situation in Lebanon:

"Over the past few weeks, there has been a concerning escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, the displacement of over one million civilians and unacceptable attacks on United Nations peacekeepers.

"There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorism on its northern border and that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization whose actions have led to Lebanese, American and Israeli deaths. By preventing the formation of a functioning government, Hezbollah has exacerbated an economic crisis and perpetuated the suffering of everyday Lebanese citizens. We also assert firmly that Iran must be stopped from supplying Hezbollah with resources and weapons, which is essential to securing peace on the border and ensuring that Israelis in the north can return safely to their homes.

"At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces have an obligation to conduct their operations in a way that limits civilian harm and does not impede humanitarian access. We also strongly condemn the attacks against United Nations peacekeepers who operate in Lebanon under UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 2749. Peacekeepers must be allowed to fulfill their mission of ensuring peace along the Blue Line.

"We must work towards de-escalation and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in Lebanon while also urging all parties involved to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal. We must do all we can to prevent further civilian casualties, dangerous destabilization and expansion of this conflict into a full-out war."