Kaine hosts briefing with chief of Palestinian delegation in Washington

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.”