Prime Minister Benajamin Netanyahu has announced his intention to take control of Gaza City. He has stated that he wants military control, but not to act as its governing body according to multiple news sources.. It has been reported that about 20 living hostages still are held in Gaza.
Yesterday Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) issued the following statement on Palestine::
“I have long supported a two-state solution as the only viable path to real and lasting peace. That’s why I joined a growing number of Democrats calling on the Trump Admnistration to endorse Palestinian statehood, just as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and over 75% of Unied Nations members have done.
Our closest allies are standing up for the principles we claim to champion: justice, human rights, and self-determination. As we work toward ending the currebt coflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the US cannot remain silent while innocent civililans — many of whom are women and childen — continue to suffer.
Recognzing Palestinian statehood must be coupled with concrete steps toward the security guarantees and governance reforms outlined in our Letter, including working with the Palestinian Authority and regional partners to ensure a viable path forward. This recognition must come with ironclad security guarantees and a clear commitment to disarming extremist groups like Hamas — which is critical for Israel to survive as a democratic state.
The Israeli and Palestinian peoples deserve a future where all hostages are safely returned, humanitarian aid can reach those in need and the cycle of violece ends. A two-state solution must remain the goal.
The United States has an oppotunity to show real leadership and diplomacy, by recognizing Palestinian statehood as a crucial step toward a just and lasting peace,” Congresswoman PIngree’s statement ended.
The Letter referred to above is still a “work-in-progress” according to Gabrielle Mannino, Communications Director for Congresswoman Pingree.
A rabbi of a synagogue in Portland who did not want his name used said when asked today if he supported Israel’s takeover of Gaza city: “I believe Nentanyahu knows more about what is going on there than I do. He knows how to get the hostages out of Gaza. Pingree is on the wrong side of Israeli history.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) is not answering her telephone; her usual retreat on tough issues for the voiceless and tongue-tied senator from Caribou.