[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 166 (Wednesday, October 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORT OF BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION CONDEMNING HAMAS TERRORIST ATTACK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2023

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise in support of 
condemning the outrageous Hamas terrorist attacks that have resulted in 
the senseless deaths of Israelis, Palestinians, and more than 20 
American citizens. Hundreds are missing and many are feared to be held 
hostage--including women, children, and even infants.
  Savagely attacking and killing innocent civilians is never justified. 
These crimes must be unequivocally condemned as they are clear 
violations of international human rights law.
  Hamas has a singular goal: to destroy Israel. Their attacks were not 
targeting the military or government; they were perpetrated against 
Israeli communities for the goal of destruction. Hamas uses fear, 
terror, and intimidation against Israelis and it uses the same tactics 
against the Palestinian people, putting targets on the backs of 
innocent people in Gaza. Nearly half of the population of Gaza are 
children--most having lived their entire lives under a brutal, 
devastating blockade that deprives them of basic human necessities and 
no prospect for a better future.
  I have a solemn responsibility as a Member of Congress to shape 
policy. I have spoken out against governments, extremist groups, those 
exerting power over marginalized populations--whether they are our 
enemies, our allies, or within our own nation--and I always speak up 
for those suffering and in defense of human rights. The October 7 
attack by Hamas was a gross violation of human rights. It crossed a red 
line.
  This was a strategic, coordinated, multi-modal attack by Hamas. It 
leaves deeply concerning questions about what happened in the lead-up 
to this massacre and what the future holds. Any response must consider 
the innocent lives at stake. The United States must not choose to 
escalate conflict with a knee-jerk reaction of providing more weapons 
for an offensive that will certainly take the lives of more innocent 
civilians and children. The reports of casualties in Israel and 
Palestine are stunning, and I fear these numbers will only grow in the 
coming days.
  This attack is not a far-away matter; it is hitting close to home. 
Mothers, fathers, the young, and the elderly--those near and far--are 
now living in unimaginable fear while mourning those they have lost. I 
am hearing from many Jewish constituents and community leaders who are 
in pain and who have loved ones among the injured, killed, or missing. 
I stand with them, I mourn with them, and I share their fear of what is 
to come.
  My hope and my dream for the future is for every Israeli child and 
every Palestinian child to be tucked into bed at night by their parents 
without fear of bombings and perpetual violence. All people deserve 
safety and security--and in the wake of this heinous attack, the 
international community is in agreement that Hamas must be stopped. The 
only sustainable path forward is one where international human rights 
and international law are at the forefront and democratic ideals are 
upheld.

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