Kaptur Reaffirms Support For Two-State Solution, Applauds Peace Plan For Israel And Gaza
Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement reaffirming her support for a Two-State Solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and applauding President Biden’s Proposal for a negotiated truce and three-phase ceasefire plan as laid out at the White House on Friday, May 31st.
“On Friday, the President laid out a three-phase plan which would allow for a negotiated truce, a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all hostages and return of all hostage remains. I applaud the Administration and our Allies in the region for working tirelessly and diplomatically to negotiate this plan that will end the bloodshed in Gaza.
“Over the weekend, the Netanyahu government signaled that they would accept this agreement. While both sides are not fully happy with all aspects of this agreement as proposed, it is a significant step that will help to end this bloody, costly conflict. I know that countless hours, days, weeks, and months of negotiations by American, Egyptian and Qatari diplomats have advanced the cause of peace and yielded the proposal for a road forward in this conflict ridden region.
“Earlier this year, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called upon the UN Security Council to recognize the importance of a two-state solution to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine. He emphatically stated that ‘any refusal to accept the two-state solution by any party must be firmly rejected.’
“I have long advocated for and resolutely affirm the Secretary-General’s view and continue to champion America’s decades long policy supporting the establishment of an independent and free Palestinian state. In January, I authored an opinion article describing the importance of the United Nation’s role in establishing a lasting and permanent peace in this terrible conflict that has raged for generations. On March 14th, I joined to introduce a resolution reaffirming the House’s support for a two-state solution.
“As a Member who has continued to engage in diplomatic dialogues with our partners in the Middle East and within the United Nations, I know only a broad range of nations working together can chart the path toward a just peace. I am encouraged that the road forward seems to be within our grasp. Borders must be respected and protected. This brokered peace treaty and truce as structured will unfold in three phases across a region that has been devastated by conflict.
“While there is a long way to go, I hope that we can continue to work toward a true two-state solution. A lasting cessation of hostilities will allow both the Israeli and Palestinian people to have a home and to one day know safety, comfort, and peace. Only through acceptance from all parties can a brokered truce be successful. Let reason prevail so that one day the children of Israel and Palestine can know peace in their time. This costly war between Hamas and Israel must end. The dialogue to advance a two-state solution that ends generations of bloodshed must continue.”
Since the start of the conflict in Gaza, Congresswoman Kaptur has remained actively engaged in urging an aggressive diplomatic path forward to address the ongoing conflict and work toward a negotiated two-state solution. On October 8th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement condemning the Hamas terror attacks. On November 3rd, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Egyptian Ambassador Zahran calling for a humanitarian pause so aid could be delivered and those seeking safety could reach it. On November 16th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a dialogue with Jordanian Ambassador Kawar in diplomatic efforts to secure a durable peace. On December 13th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Lebanese Charge D’Affaires Hachem. On December 15th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Pierre. On January 19th, Congresswoman Kaptur urged the State Department to affirm US opposition to forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. On January 31st, Congresswoman Kaptur published an opinion article in the Toledo Blade. On March 28th, Congresswoman Kaptur reaffirmed her support for a two-state solution. On April 4th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a call between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden. On May 6th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement on the ongoing developments in Gaza.
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