Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the third anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel:
“Three years ago, Israel was the victim of a terrorist attack by Hamas that killed nearly 1,200 civilians. Innocent lives were snuffed out, families murdered in cold blood, women raped, young people targeted because of who they are and where they called home.
“But the violence of that day did not end on October 8. Its violence was contagious, plunging the region into chaos and years of war that have taken a toll on many thousands of people — Palestinians and Israelis. Israeli civilians were held hostage in dark tunnels by Hamas for hundreds of days, while being subject to rape, torture and murder. Palestinian civilians lost their lives as whole neighborhoods were destroyed, and they continue to endure, unimaginable conditions in Gaza; Palestinians still suffer increased violence and displacement in the West Bank. Civilians in Israel still live in fear of another promised attack by Hamas terrorists, and civilians in Northern Israel or Lebanon worry about being collateral damage in the continuing struggle between Israel and Hezbollah.
“After three years, the pathway to peace and a lasting two-state solution is farther out of reach and tattered, while extremist voices have flourished in the Middle East.
“This anniversary should be a solemn moment to recommit to the goal of two sovereign states, and rebuilding the pathway to that future. Just as we pushed to bring hostages home and achieve a ceasefire, we must continue to push for expanded aid to rebuild Gaza, for an end to Hamas’ ability to threaten Israel, and for a lasting agreement to end this conflict and ensure that Israelis and Palestinians may live side by side in peace, security, dignity, and mutual recognition.”
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