WASHINGTON – Today, following the House vote on H. Res. 326, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) released the following statement:

“I have adamantly supported a two-state solution for years. I believe that ongoing conflict in the region has caused deep and lasting trauma and it is critical to work towards peace in the region that centers the self determination of Palestinians and Israelis. Early this Congress I became a co-sponsor of the Lowenthal resolution, consistent with my position.

“Unfortunately, the language of the resolution changed significantly. The current iteration we voted on today struck critical mentions of the occupation and includes problematic amendment language that does not bring us closer to progress, healing, reconciliation and long-lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

“I understand the importance of this Congress calling out the volatile and dangerous foreign policy of the Trump Administration. Tenents of this resolution, including expressing opposition to unilateral annexation, do that effectively.

“But at a time when the Administration is also reversing the United States’ position that the occupation is a violation of international human rights law and defunding humanitarian aid to Palestine, we need to call it out.

“There should be no hierarchy of hurt. We must hold in equal measure the lived experiences and struggles of the Israeli and Palestinian people.

“I am committed to remaining in dialogue with those impacted and working towards peaceful progress.”

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