WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, issued a joint statement with fellow Sens. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., on Monday calling for adherence to international law during the Israel-Hamas War and vigilance against racial and religious intolerance at home.

What You Need To Know

  • While the senators expressed support for Israel, they also acknowledged the plight of citizens in Gaza

  • The senators said they welcome President Joe Biden’s naming of David Satterfield as special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues

  • Satterfield is director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey
  • Schatz, Van Hollen and Welch ended their statement by cautioning against racial and religious animus inflamed by the recent events in the Middle East

“We are appalled by the unfathomable violence against Israeli civilians and unequivocally condemn Hamas and its brutal actions,” the senators wrote. “We mourn for those who were ruthlessly murdered and injured, as well as for their loved ones and communities who are living through a nightmare. We must do everything possible to rescue the hostages who remain in the hands of Hamas terrorists.”

While the senators expressed support for Israel, they also acknowledged the plight of citizens in Gaza.

“There is no justification for these cruel acts, and our support for Israel as a home for the Jewish people is steadfast,” they said. “We stand with the president and our allies in our commitment to support Israel as it defends itself, in accordance with international law. That includes protections for the two million civilians currently trapped in Gaza, who must have realistic options for avoiding military operations. Every effort must be made to prevent further civilian death and suffering and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

“A just war cannot be won without the strictest adherence to civilian protection, as difficult as that is with a terrorist adversary that does not share those standards,” they said. 

The senators said they welcome President Joe Biden’s naming of David Satterfield, director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, as special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues.

Satterfield’s appointment was announced by the State Department on Sunday. In making the announcement, Secretary of State Anthony Blinkin said the United States is “determined to do everything we can to address the needs of people in Gaza.”

Schatz, Van Hollen and Welch ended their statement by cautioning against racial and religious animus inflamed by the recent events in the Middle East.

“In a time of increased anti-Semitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic rhetoric and violence here at home and around the world, we must be vigilant, reject hate, and stand with the communities being threatened,” they stated.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.