Kaptur Statement On Call With Egyptian Ambassador Zahran and Call For Humanitarian Pause So Aid Can Be Delivered And Those Seeking Safety Can Reach It
Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) a senior member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee released the following statement following a call with Egyptian Ambassador to the United States Motaz Zahran. During the call Congresswoman Kaptur and Ambassador Zahran stressed the importance of de-escalation and a humanitarian pause so that humanitarian aid and assistance can be delivered to Gaza to alleviate suffering of innocent civilians who have been inflicted unbearable harm and those seeking safety can be accommodated, and urgent medical care can reach those in need.
“The United States stands with our Allies in the Middle East. Israel must be assisted in its time of need to counter the threat from terrorists and to free hostages and innocents who remain in grave danger. Our other valued Allies in the region are critical now and in the days ahead to defuse the situation, heal the wounded, and restore a civil way of life. We must prioritize the safety of innocent civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond and pray for compassion, understanding, and dialogue to heal. It is an urgent need that all peace-seeking civilians and especially the wounded have access to relief and support. I asked the Ambassador for suggestions of how best to increase medical assistance to the wounded and offered engagement from medical personnel and institutions across our region, as is possible.
“I thank officials in the Biden Administration, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and adjoining nations who continue to prioritize the safe and timely delivery of aid to the people of Gaza and to hasten medical care. The destruction of innocent people is never morally justifiable. I echo the Administration’s call for a humanitarian pause so that aid can be delivered to those seeking safety, and a road toward peace restored.
“Today, I have spoken to the Egyptian Ambassador to the United States Motaz Zahran to thank him for Egypt’s important role to achieve opening at the Rafah Crossing to allow passage out of Gaza of innocent civilians who have evacuated to safety including those seeking urgent medical care. 74 Americans thankfully were included in those who were evacuated. The Ambassador and I urge that relatives of Americans still in Gaza and attempting to leave, to contact the U.S. State Department, which can be reached through its online portal or its hotline, which will allow them to be added to the necessary lists to pass safely through the Rafah Crossing.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Ambassador Zahran and with other Ambassadors from across the region to assist in efforts for regional security, safe delivery of aid, and to continue to provide much needed medical and humanitarian assistance and safe passage for those who need it.”
Those seeking to contact the State Department regarding safe travel for yourselves or family leaving the region should use the crisis intake form by clicking here, or by calling either of the following phone numbers, 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) and 606-641-0131 (local).
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