Response to Open Letter on the Israel-Gaza Conflict

By Eli Ibanga

A few weeks ago I wrote an open letter to my congresspersons https://www.elietal.com/insights/open-letter-to-the-virginia-congressional-delegation-regarding-the-israel-gaza-conflict asking for either their support in ending IDF cruelty against Palestinian citizens or an explanation that justifies the current US stance on the conflict. Although I have not received a response from Rep. Beyer, I have received responses from both Senator Tim Kaine, and Senator Mark Warner. My perspective is that Senator Kaine’s letter toed the line of the average US politician and media outlets, framing the suffering of the Palestinians as a consequence of Hamas’ violence. I was very surprised with Senator Warner’s response however, as there appears to be genuine concern for Palestinian safety and their right to self-determination. He supports the two-state solution, and was also cognizant of steps Israel has taken to harm Palestinians, seize their territory, and stymie their push for statehood.

Regardless of my personal beliefs and opinions in regards to the responses received, I would like to thank both Senators and their offices for taking the time to respond to my letter so thoroughly. I have shared both responses below for transparency. I would encourage others with concerns to contact their representatives as well.

(Response from Senator Warner, received 3 June 2025)

Dear Mr. Ibanga,

          I appreciate the time you have taken to contact me regarding the situation in Gaza. I remain deeply concerned by the plight of the remaining hostages brutally kidnapped by Hamas terrorists as well as the humanitarian conditions for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

          I am deeply disappointed by the collapse of the ceasefire agreement that was reached in January. The agreement, while standing, allowed for the release of hostages and prisoners, for greater aid access, and stopped the violence that has been so devastating for Gaza – steps that are dramatically needed after a war that has ripped families apart, worsened extreme hunger conditions, leveled entire communities, and threatened broader regional instability.

          As a result of the war, more than two million Palestinians in Gaza are currently in dire need of assistance. Even before the October 7, 2023 terror attacks by Hamas, and subsequent military response by Israel, more than a million Palestinians in Gaza relied on humanitarian aid to meet basic needs. Delays and blockages of aid and assistance, as well as the disruption of clean water supplies, have contributed to a situation where the entire population of Gaza now faces acute food insecurity and waterborne diseases resulting from unsanitary conditions.

          Returning to a ceasefire agreement must be the priority for diplomatic efforts. Achieving such solution will require sustained U.S. and international engagement to demand a resumption of these efforts, for the sake of innocent civilians who continue to suffer. Achieving a lasting peace will require confronting security, governance, and humanitarian challenges, and identifying funding streams and strategies for reconstructing a now devastated landscape.

          I am glad to see that regional leaders have begun to think through those longer-term solutions, which will be critical in ensuring a rebuilt Gaza that is free from Hamas. The leadership of Hamas continues to state clearly that their goal is the complete annihilation of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, refuge for the Jewish people, and longstanding friend and ally to the United States in a very challenging region.

          There are serious negotiations that must be had in determining specifics of a solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live safely alongside each other with dignity. I wholly reject, however, unserious and dangerous proposals that do nothing but undermine a path to peace. President Trump’s announcement that the United States would “take over” Gaza, presumably necessitating forcible action by the U.S., is offensive, and reckless beyond reason. I am glad to see partner nations in the Middle East steer away from this harmful suggestion, which is destabilizing and antithetical to a Palestinian state in the region. It is in part due to this serious concern that I opposed the nomination of Mike Huckabee when the Senate considered him for the role of U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

          I also remain deeply concerned about threats to stability in the West Bank, including continued instances of extremist violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers. These attacks, which seek to evict Palestinians from their homes and destroy property, carry the potential to provoke a broader conflict. I had pushed the Biden Administration repeatedly to combat this settler violence and enact increasing rounds of sanctions. I condemn the decision by President Trump to revoke that executive authority and unwind the sanctions tied to instability in the West Bank – actions that seemingly give a ‘green light’ to this settler violence.

          In discussing the situation in Gaza, let us be clear – Hamas terrorists do not represent the interests of innocent Palestinians, who have often suffered under Hamas control. Nor do they reflect Palestinian American or Muslim communities. This conflict has regrettably inflamed both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and we must call out acts of violence and hate speech wherever, whenever and however they occur.

          I appreciate the time you have taken to share your views with me, and as Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, you may be assured that I will continue to press the Trump Administration, and continue close engagement with our intelligence community and our international allies and partners.

Sincerely,

MARK R. WARNER

United States Senator

(Response from Senator Kaine)

June 9, 2025

Dear Mr. Ibanga:

Thank you for writing to me about the painful events in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, initiated by the horrific October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israeli civilians. I appreciate hearing from you during this difficult time and join you in grieving the loss of innocent lives.

I have consistently called on Hamas to release all hostages taken in the October 7 terrorist attack. I support the right of Israel to defend itself from Hamas and any other actor – particularly Hezbollah and Iran – who advocates for its destruction. I have consistently and publicly asserted Israel’s right to defend itself from the perpetrators of the October 7 terrorist attacks in a manner that minimizes harm to Palestinian civilians living in Gaza and the West Bank who are themselves victims of Hamas.

The United States should provide support for Israel’s self-defense. At the same time, as a democracy, an ally of the U.S., and a major recipient of U.S. security assistance, Israel must follow international law – as well as U.S. law governing the use of transferred weapons – by providing robust humanitarian support for Palestinians displaced by this war and endeavoring to minimize any harm to innocent civilians. The U.S. and other friends of Israel must contribute to such humanitarian support and press Israel to allow for full humanitarian access in Gaza.

I remain steadfast in my support for Israel’s self-defense, as well as in my belief that the continued transfer of offensive weapons to Israel risks serious harm to civilians in Gaza. Such offensive weapons transfers only further fuel the growing instability in the region and do not contribute to the defense of the Israeli people. That is why on November 20, I voted to oppose the transfers of mortars, tank rounds, and Joint Direct Attack Munitions to Israel by voting yes on the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders.

On July 19, following the Israeli Knesset’s vote to formally reject the establishment of a Palestinian state, I issued a statement that the U.S. should no longer condition recognition of a Palestinian state on Israeli assent, but instead upon Palestinian willingness to peacefully coexist with its neighbors. The world community must engage in a persistent effort to find a path toward what was promised to Israelis and Palestinians 75 years ago: two states living peacefully as neighbors.

Following the events of October 7 and their aftermath, we have seen a deeply distressing spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia here in America. I forcefully reject hatred and bigotry in all forms, and have fought to ensure that places of worship have access to federal resources so all who wish to exercise their faith have the freedom to do so in peace. All Americans should recommit to a society where we can live, work, worship, and educate our children together in a climate of mutual respect, even when we disagree on matters of domestic or foreign policy.

On January 19, after 15 months of horrific conflict, Israel and Hamas began implementing the first phase of a three-phase ceasefire. The first phase includes a complete ceasefire, exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and the ability for displaced Palestinians to return to the north. The second phase includes a permanent ceasefire, an exchange of the remaining Israeli hostages for more Palestinian prisoners, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The third and final phase includes the return of all remaining bodies of deceased hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza.

I am grateful for the former Biden Administration’s tireless efforts to negotiate a ceasefire deal – which I had long called for – to reunite hostage families and provide Gaza with desperately-needed humanitarian assistance. This agreement, which the Trump Administration supported, marked an important step towards a durable peace. It is in the best interest of hostage families, the Israeli and Palestinian people, and U.S. civilians and military personnel throughout the region that we continue to build on this progress.

On February 4, President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. should seize control of Gaza and forcibly displace millions of Palestinians, including through the use of military force, to take over Gaza. On February 7, I led my colleagues in introducing a resolution affirming that the Palestinian people have a right to self-determination and rejecting any attempt to deploy U.S. military assets or personnel to Gaza. I believe it is critical to remain committed to the ceasefire process, rather than dragging our servicemembers into another endless war in the Middle East, if there is to be any hope of a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Based on national security briefings on Capitol Hill, meeting personally with survivors of the October 7 attacks, meeting with families who’ve lost loved ones or have had loved ones taken hostage, hearing from Virginia communities, and simply following the news, it is clear to me that there is much left to do. I will continue to publicly and privately condemn Hamas’ acts of terror against Israelis, advocate for the continued implementation of a permanent ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions across the region, encourage efforts to prevent civilian casualties and return hostages to their families, support the safe and swift delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Thank you again for writing to me and for sharing your perspective and concerns.