Washington (April 3, 2024) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today on the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval of Arms Sales.
“Ever since Hamas’s heinous October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, I have remained focused on bringing the hostages home and securing long-term peace and security for Israel. I supported the January ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the best way to reunite the hostages with their families and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. I remain steadfastly committed to Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, but the U.S. strategy of transferring to the Netanyahu government certain offensive weapons is not working. Israeli leaders such as former Minister of Defense General Yoav Gallant and former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar both believe the release of the hostages should be the highest priority and have criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the war as an obstacle to the goal.
“Throughout my career, I have always voted in support of the defense aid that Israel needs in the face of enemies committed to its destruction, including last April when I voted for a $14 billion defense aid package. Today, I voted to support the two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval because the Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) and large-scale bomb go beyond what is needed for Israel’s current defense and could be used to further decimate Gaza. These 2,000 and 500 pound-bombs have caused untold civilian harm and destruction and do not bring us closer to the ceasefire we need to get the hostages out and get humanitarian aid in. Both Israel and Hamas must immediately return to the mutually agreed upon ceasefire plan. This war must come to an end, so that we can return the hostages to their families and begin to put Israel and Palestine on a path towards lasting peace.”
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