Congresswoman McCollum Statement on Settler Violence in the West Bank

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on Thursday:

"While the attention of the world in recent months has rightfully been focused on the conflict in Gaza and the ceasefire negotiations to end the war, concerning developments have been taking place in the West Bank ever since Hamas' October 7th terrorist attack. In February 2024, President Biden imposed sanctions aimed at preventing violence by extremist Israeli settler groups in the West Bank. President Trump rescinded those sanctions, which were protecting innocent Palestinians, on his first day in office. Unsurprisingly, a wave of violence across the territory has ensued."

"Let me be very clear: This wave of violence, confirmed by Israeli authorities and Palestinian human rights groups, threatens to unravel the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The Israeli government and the U.S. Department of State must take immediate action to quell the violence and ensure that Palestinians in the West Bank are able to live in safety without fearing for their lives, their families, or their homes."