In a demonstration of bipartisan support, a second senator has publicly called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
On Saturday morning, Republican Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri issued a statement urging both sides in the conflict to reach a cease-fire agreement. His comments follow an earlier statement by Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware calling for a de-escalation of hostilities.
“I join Senator Coons in calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas,” Senator Blunt said. “We must strive to deescalate the violence and achieve stability and peace in the region.”
Blunt’s comments come against the backdrop of ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip and other parts of Israel and Palestine. The conflict, which began last week, has resulted in the death of at least 209 Palestinians and six Israeli citizens. There are reports on both sides of heavy casualties and damage to buildings.
The two senators have not been alone in their calls for a cease-fire. Over the weekend, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President Joe Biden both made statements urging the sides to reach an agreement.
“There is no military solution to this conflict,” Guterres said in a statement on Saturday. “All parties must exercise maximum restraint, avert further escalation and take immediate steps to end the current violence.”
Biden, meanwhile, reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself. At the same time, he said that a cease-fire is in the best interests of both sides.
“The United States is working tirelessly with our partners in the region to bring calm to the situation quickly,” Biden said in a statement on Sunday.
The two senators’ calls for a cease-fire indicate the bi-partisan effort to end the violence in the region. It remains to be seen whether both sides will agree to a truce and begin a path towards peace.