Congresswoman Bush Statement One Year Following Horrific October 7th Attacks
Washington, D.C. (October 7, 2024) — Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following statement one-year following the horrific and deadly October 7th attacks on Israel.
“This past year has been unfathomable, grief-ridden and gruesome, and it is only getting worse by the day. One year ago, nearly 1,200 Israelis, including more than 40 Americans, were killed, 250 people were taken hostages, and thousands more were injured following a horrific attack by Hamas. Now, a year later, the Israeli government continues to inflict a tragic, genocidal nightmare, and teeters on the edge of regional war, with no clear end in sight.
Over 42,000 Palestinians, including nearly 17,000 children, have been killed, which some studies show is likely an undercount. Gaza has been destroyed, millions of Palestinians have been displaced, and famine and disease are rampant. Of the hostages taken on October 7th, an estimated 97 people remain in captivity, alongside numerous others arbitrarily detained by the Israeli government over the course of many years. Unfettered bombing and violence continues in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Israel, in Yemen, in Syria, in Iran, and in Lebanon, where over 2,000 people have been killed, a majority of whom have been killed in just the past few weeks.
“The devastation and destruction that have unfolded are already beyond what any soul should ever endure. Humanity is being torn apart. If we don’t change course our pain will only deepen and the toll will become even more unfathomable. Frankly, the time to act was one year ago, and the reality is that for far too many it’s already too late, but we cannot let this continue on.
“My heart is with the people of Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran, as well as with our Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab-American communities here in the United States, as we continue to pray for peace, safety, diplomacy, and accountability.
“Saving lives must be our top priority. We must stop this violence, and prevent yet another endless war. We must stop sending the bombs and weapons fueling this violence. We must prioritize diplomacy and peace, and above all else, our collective humanity. We demanded a ceasefire and arms embargo one year ago, and we are still demanding a ceasefire and arms embargo now.”
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