Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman released a statement saying he would “always stand with Israel,” and decried fellow lawmakers calling for a ceasefire amidst military conflict in the middle east.
Fetterman’s statement follows the recent attack on Israel by Islamic militant group Hamas, which killed over 1,400 Israelis.
The Pennsylvania senator also took aim at fellow lawmakers who criticized Israel for an alleged attack on a hospital in Gaza that reportedly killed 500. Initial reports suggested Israel intentionally attacked the hospital holding civilians, while other reports claimed Hamas attacked the location.
Initial reports of 500 deaths appeared to be false as video footage shows the aftermath of a bombing in the hospital’s parking lot rather than the location itself.
“It’s truly disturbing that Members of Congress rushed to blame Israel for the hospital tragedy in Gaza,” Fetterman wrote of fellow lawmakers. “Who would take the word of a group that just massacred innocent Israeli civilians over our key ally?”
It’s truly disturbing that Members of Congress rushed to blame Israel for the hospital tragedy in Gaza.
Who would take the word of a group that just massacred innocent Israeli civilians over our key ally?
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) October 18, 2023
“I will always stand with Israel and look forward to supporting any military, intelligence, or humanitarian aid to get the job done,” he added.
Fetterman elaborated on his statement in another post.
“Innocent Israelis were the victims of a terrorist attack that resulted in the largest loss of Jewish lives since the Holocaust,” the Pennsylvania senator wrote. “Now we know that the tragedy at the Gaza hospital was not caused by Israel.”
Fetterman expressed condolences for innocent civilians and Israeli soldiers killed in the Hamas attack.
I grieve for every innocent person and brave Israeli soldier killed since Hamas started this war.
If not for the horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists, thousands of innocent Israelis and Palestinians would still be alive today.
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) October 18, 2023
“If not for the horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists, thousands of innocent Israelis and Palestinians would still be alive today,” he added.
In contrast to fellow progressive lawmakers, Fetterman decried calls for a ceasefire.
“We must support Israel in efforts to eliminate the Hamas terrorists who slaughtered innocent men, women, and children,” he wrote. “Hamas does not want peace, they want to destroy Israel. We can talk about a ceasefire after Hamas is neutralized.”
In the meantime, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to quickly deliver the aid our ally Israel needs. This includes confirming ambassador-nominee Jack Lew as soon as possible.
— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) October 18, 2023
Fetterman concluded his statement by saying he looked forward to working with fellow senators to deliver aid to Israel and confirming ambassador-nominee Jack Lew.
Other progressive lawmakers commented on the alleged hospital bombing and urged for a ceasefire from Israel.
“Bombing a hospital is among the gravest of war crimes,” wrote Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar. “The IDF reportedly blowing up one of the few places the injured and wounded can seek medical treatment and shelter during a war is horrific.”
Bombing a hospital is among the gravest of war crimes. The IDF reportedly blowing up one of the few places the injured and wounded can seek medical treatment and shelter during a war is horrific.@POTUS needs to push for an immediate ceasefire to end this slaughter. https://t.co/dPJ48dyDe8
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) October 17, 2023
The Minnesota Rep.’s post was flagged with a community note which clarified the explosion took place in a car park and did not appear to damage surrounding buildings.
