Begin forwarded message:

From: "Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur" <OH09MK.Outreach@PROTECTED>

Subject: An Update On My Work Related To The Ongoing Situation In Gaza

Date: February 12, 2024 at 5:04:50 PM EST

To: anneabowd@PROTECTED

News from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur February 12, 2024 Dear Thomas and Anne, Thank you for your continued willingness to engage with me in dialogue about the terrible war taking place in Gaza. In continuation of our conversation, I wanted to share an update with you about the conflict and about my work to address the conflict and secure a durable and lasting peace.  On February 1st, President Biden issued a new Executive Order to sanction Israeli settlers who for too long have been perpetrating violence and intimidating acts against Palestinians and their communities in the West Bank. In November, I signed a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on the Administration to address this dangerous situation in the West Bank and to hold those responsible to account. You can read the full letter by clicking here. I am grateful for the President’s actions, which will work towards a more peaceful West Bank.  Additionally, there were recent reports from Israel describing how Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for Jewish settlers to enter Gaza and establish permanent settlements there. This message conflicts with that of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has stated Israel’s official policy is to not maintain a permanent presence in Gaza after the war. However, to have a Minister level official in Israel’s government make such a call is deeply concerning.  That is why I helped lead a letter with 61 of my House colleagues that calls upon Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Biden Administration to forcefully affirm to Israel America’s opposition to the forced and permanent displacement of Palestinians from their homes in Gaza. Already over 80 percent of Gazans have been displaced by the fighting that began on October 7th. Every Palestinian has the unreconcilable right to return to their home in Gaza and anyone who attempts to prevent their return must be held to account. You can review a full copy of this letter by clicking here.  Lastly, I authored an opinion article discussing one of the pathways I believe could best secure a durable and lasting peace between Israel and an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. You can find my full op-ed in the Toledo Blade by clicking here. This is but one concept that I have shared, meanwhile intense negotiations continue between the parties in the conflict. For me and so many constituents who I have heard from, release of the hostages who have now been held for 127 days remains a top priority.  Only through a genuine process of reconciliation, including the returning of land to its rightful Gazan owners, and an international effort to help rebuild Gaza, will peace be possible. We must take every step possible to achieve lasting peace in this region. I remain committed to that cause and am grateful for your engagement with my office about this critical and urgent issue. Sincerely, Marcy Kaptur  U.S. Representative Washington DC Office  2186 Rayburn Building  Washington DC, 20515  Phone: (202) 225-4146     Toledo Office 1 Maritime Plaza #600 Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: (419) 259-7500 Unsubscribe  Privacy Policy