STATEMENT: Senator Kristen Gonzalez Responds to the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

For Immediate Release:
October 27, 2023
Press Contact: demby@nysenate.gov

Fifty years ago, a group of young radical Puerto Ricans took to the streets of New York City to call for self-determination for all Puerto Ricans, independence for the island of Puerto Rico, community control of institutions and land, freedom for all political prisoners and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam, Puerto Rico and other areas. Their struggle against discrimination, withheld resources, and displacement was a big part of my early political education.

As a Puerto Rican, as someone connected to the Young Lords and their struggle, and as a person of conscience, who believes that the safety and dignity of all people is the foundation upon which free societies are built, and that human rights must be preserved above all else, I cannot stand idly by while this humanitarian catastrophe worsens and while so many continue to clamor for war. 

An immediate ceasefire is not only the right answer, it is the only answer. An immediate ceasefire is the only way to de-escalate tensions in the region, ensure immediate access to critical humanitarian aid in Gaza, and ensure the safe return of all hostages. It is the only way to save innocent lives. As of Thursday, 7,028 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in the past two weeks, including over 2,913 children–that is 1 child every 7 minutes. That is a horrific toll that is growing daily, compounded by the deaths of 1,400 Israeli civilians killed during the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks.

Just as I condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks, I condemn the genocidal actions of the IDF. Collective punishment is a war crime. Cutting off food, water, fuel and electricity to millions of innocent civilians is a war crime. Bombing civilians indiscriminately, displacing over a million people, and denying them access to humanitarian aid is a crime against humanity.

As your State Senator, I’m committed to ensuring that all of my constituents feel safe in their communities. Antisemitism and islamophobia have no place in our community. Our office has attended briefings with City officials to ensure that there are no credible threats to religious institutions in our district and across the city. I’m so proud of my colleagues, Senators Julia Salazar and Gustavo Rivera, and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, who have introduced legislation to have our government cover costs ensuring our family, friends and neighbors back home safely.

My heart is aching for those who have lost loved ones in Palestine and Israel, for those who are missing family members, and for the millions suffering in Gaza right now. That’s why I will continue to stand with my colleagues at the local, state, and federal levels who are calling for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of all hostages. We cannot forget the better world we are trying to build is founded on compassion, humanity and a just and lasting peace.