Kaine Hosts Briefing With Ambassador Maen Areikat, Chief Representative Of The Palestinian Delegation In Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, hosted a Senate briefing with Chief Representative of the Palestinian Delegation in Washington Maen Areikat to discuss the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank:

“The deteriorating situation in Gaza is one of grave concern, especially the increasing death toll of Palestinian civilians, Israeli citizens, and Israeli soldiers. I grieve for the Israeli and Palestinian citizens – especially the young – who live and die under constant security threats. I fully support Israel's right to defend itself against unprovoked rocket attacks launched by Hamas and other terrorist organizations. I call for an immediate ceasefire on all sides, the resumption of calm, the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in Gaza, and a commitment to resume peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinian Authority.

“I appreciate Ambassador Areikat’s briefing today and I believe it is important for those on Capitol Hill to hear from both Israelis and Palestinians on this issue.” 

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