1199SEIU resolutely condemns the heinous acts of terrorism perpetuated by Hamas against the people of Israel.  There is no justification whatsoever for attacks against civilians, and we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all who are being held captive.  We stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones.  We vehemently reject extremist rhetoric by those who use this tragedy to sow discord and promote anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.

The horrific war crimes committed by Hamas do not justify the Israeli military’s response of collectively punishing the Palestinian people, who have been living under increasingly dire circumstances.  We call for the immediate end to the bombing of civilian infrastructure and the lifting of the blockade barring food, water, and medicine into the Gaza Strip, home to over one million children.

The vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians want to live in peace.  The escalating violence initiated by Hamas cannot be allowed to continue to spiral into a devastating war that will take untold numbers of innocent lives.

The US and the international community must lead with diplomacy and a demand for all sides involved in this conflict to honor international humanitarian law and abide by UN resolutions.