Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on the Anniversary of October 7, 2023

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on the Anniversary of October 7, 2023

"Today, we remember the horrific violence of October 7th, where more than 1,200 Israelis were brutally killed, and hundreds were kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas, including American citizens.

I stand with families and communities mourning and feeling the pain of loss as well as those still under threat today throughout the region. I stand with those whose loved ones are still being held hostage and the millions more in the region who continue to experience fear, anxiety, and uncertainty every day.

The region today is neither more safe, secure, nor stable for anyone. Not only has the trauma of that day subsided, but continuing violent escalation only means greater insecurity for Israelis, Palestinians, and now the Lebanese and others in the region. Worse, there appears to be no off ramp to ever increasing violent escalation.

Long-term political stability and peace are the only way to achieve security for both Israelis and Palestinians and to prevent this conflict from further escalating into a broader war that would cost more innocent lives and put millions more under threat.

That is why I continue to support diplomatic efforts being spearheaded by the Biden Administration to not only reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal, but also work to find a durable solution along the Israel-Lebanon border that ends the escalation and finally allows people on both sides of that border to do what they so desperately want - to safely return home.

I stand with the Biden-Harris administration in these efforts. Innocent civilians have suffered enough."