Congressman Carson Stance on War in Israel and Palestine
Congressman Carson’s stance is clear: all human life is precious, and no civilian should be subjected to violence and brutality. Congressman Carson condemns Hamas’ attacks against civilians, and he calls for the swift release of all hostages. He also condemns the Israeli government’s cruel response on civilians and calls for an immediate ceasefire and solution to end the occupation.
Legislative Action:
Since October 7, 2023, Congressman Carson has taken the following actions:
Signed a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken expressing concerns on the unfolding humanitarian situation in Gaza. The full letter can be found here.
Co-Led the Ceasefire Now Resolution calling for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine. The full text of this resolution can be found here and Congressman Carson's statement on the resolution can be found here.
Cosponsored a Resolution Condemning Hamas’ Brutal Terrorist Attack on Israel and Kidnapping of Innocent Civilian Hostages. More information on this resolution can be found here.
Statement for the record addressing lives lost in Israel and Palestine.
Joined the House Muslim Caucus to speak out against anti-Muslim hate and a dangerous bill that would expel Palestinian-Americans from the United States. See their full statement here.
Voted against the censure of Rashida Tlaib and spoke on the House Floor in defense of Rep. Tlaib. You can find his full remarks here.
Joined a letter to Secretary Blinken to express strong support for securing humanitarian pauses in the ongoing Israel- Hamas conflict and to urgently scale up critically needed humanitarian assistance for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip while ensuring the safe release of all hostages.
Developing new legislation to increase humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinian civilians.
Called on President Biden and Secretary Blinken to address the impact on children and infants in the region. The full letter can be found here.
Denouncing Hate in All Forms:
As a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus and as one of three Muslim Members of Congress, Congressman Carson has long fought for fairness and against discrimination in all forms. Congressman Carson unequivocally denounces Antisemitism and Islamophobia, which have both dramatically increased in this divisive climate. Tragically, Islamophobia recently took the life of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, Wadea Al-Fayoume. Wadea was stabbed to death by a white man who was angry over the fighting in the Middle East. This murder is a sobering reminder of the prevalence and dangers of anti-Muslim hate. All hate is dangerous, and we must work together to prevent more injuries and loss of life.
Calling for Humanitarian Assistance in Palestine:
In September of 2023, Congressman Carson led a letter to Senator Risch of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee requesting the Senator to immediately release his hold on funds for food assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. These funds were blocked even after Congress approved the funds in December of 2022. Congressman Carson’s efforts, supported by 63 of his Congressional colleagues in the House and Senate, provided $75 million in food assistance to over one million Palestinian refugees. Prior to the current war, over 40 percent of people in Gaza were severely food insecure – that number is expected to dramatically increase.
Supporting a Two-State Solution:
Congressman Carson urgently calls for a new approach to the United States’ strategy in Israel and Palestine and has consistently spoken out against Israel’s unfair, two-tiered rule over the Palestinian people – joining every major human rights organization around the world in calling for an end to the systemic oppression of Palestinians.
Congressman Carson will always remain, a friend to the people of Israel and a friend to the people of Palestine. Innocent Israeli and Palestinian families, like all people, deserve to live without fear of terrorism and violence. Millions of innocent Palestinians have lived for 17 years under the reality of an occupation that limits their movements, opportunities, and access to the world, like medicine, electricity, water, food, and freedom to move – they deserve to live in peace and liberation.
Peace and Justice for All:
True peace can only be based on justice. Congressman Carson strongly supports the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in peace, security, and dignity. To achieve this, he urgently calls for a new approach to ensure safety and justice for all. Congressman Carson will continue working to ensure no more innocent lives are lost and reject all other forms of hatred towards fellow members of the human family.