Statement
Statement by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Israel-Hamas War
For Immediate Release: Sunday 8 October
The attacks by Hamas on civilian populations across Israel is the definition of terrorism - terrorism being actions that target civilian populations with the goal of creating such pain and suffering that their governments will change their policies. But the most likely outcome will not be a just and lasting peace, but rather an intensifying round of escalation and a steeling of some peoples determination to settle this on a battlefield not at the peace table.
The pain and suffering of innocent people is a genuine tragedy. Israel has every right to defend itself and protect its people. If Hamas expected some grand victory from this, they are sorely mistaken. The most likely result will be that their actions will increase the suffering and misery of their own people.
This needs to end.
Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas need to recommit to a two-state solution. Our thoughts are with the lives lost and hurt and we all fervently hope for a quick and peaceful solution.
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Release ID: 23-025