WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and 45 of his Senate Democratic colleagues urged the President to reaffirm his opposition to Israel’s annexation of West Bank territory amidst efforts to maintain the much-needed ceasefire in Gaza. While the President previously expressed his opposition to annexations, the recent ceasefire plan for Gaza omits any mention of the West Bank.
“In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the senators wrote. “As longstanding supporters of Israel’s security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution.”
Hickenlooper welcomed the ceasefire deal reached earlier this month and has repeatedly advocated for sustained access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, including food, water, and life-saving medical supplies. Hickenlooper has called for a humanitarian pause in Gaza as well as a mutual ceasefire and the release of all Hamas-held hostages as well.
The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.
Dear President Trump:
We write to express support for your comments opposing any efforts by the Government of Israel to annex territory in the West Bank and to urge your Administration to promote steps to preserve the viability of a two-state solution and the success of the Abraham Accords. Since your plan for Gaza does not address the West Bank, it is imperative that your Administration reinforce your comments and emphasize its opposition to annexation.
As longstanding supporters of Israel’s security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution. That includes any steps by Israel to annex territory or expand settlements that prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Such steps have elicited deep concern and opposition from Arab partners and place at risk your past achievements under the Abraham Accords and the possibility of expanding them further. At the same time, terrorism, including the horrific terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, must be uniformly condemned and will not bring the region closer to peace.
We are relieved that the hostages have been released, and it is vital that humanitarian aid surge into Gaza; the remains of deceased hostages, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, be returned to their families; and that the ceasefire be sustained. In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sincerely,
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