Masuda Statement on Gaza
The catastrophic pain, suffering, and destruction in Gaza must be called by its name: an ongoing genocide and a humanitarian crisis. It is a moral imperative to end the bloodshed now.
Israel has a right to defend itself from Hamas brutality. However, that defense should not come at the expense of systematically targeting and mass killing civilians, destroying critical life-sustaining infrastructure that forces mass displacement of over 90% of the population, and creating conditions of starvation calculated to bring about the physical destruction of the population, leading to declared famine in areas of Gaza.
I call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to save innocent lives. This is the absolute minimum requirement to halt the genocidal acts and prevent further death from starvation, disease, and bombardment. The delivery of aid must be secured and protected to reach all affected populations immediately.
This crisis also demands a new approach that prioritizes peace, security, and human rights:
Conditional U.S Military Aid: I support a halt to U.S. lethal military aid to Israel until a clear path to a lasting peace and a sovereign, viable Palestinian state is secured. The United States cannot continue unconditional military support which risks complicity in human rights violations and incentivizes the continuation of the conflict.
The Two-State Solution: The security of Israel does not have to come at the expense of Palestinian lives. Lasting peace can only be achieved through diplomacy and a viable two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live with security and dignity in their own homeland. This must include an end to the occupation and the recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
Accountability under the U.S.-led Peace Resolution: The UN Security Council has authorized the deployment of an International Security Force (ISF) and Board of Peace under the U.S.-led Gaza Peace Plan. The mandate to govern and demilitarize Gaza has been given to a broad number of countries. I will call for transparency, accountability, and impartiality during the conflict stabilization process.
If America is to continue to be a leader on the world stage, we must lead by example. Our foreign policy must reflect a commitment to human rights, an end to the occupation, and the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people. I will work tirelessly to promote a future where all people in the region can live in peace and security.
