WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

 “The loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives in this conflict is devastating.

 “The ongoing and escalating hostilities — including rocket attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups— is extremely troubling and must cease.

 “Israel has the right to defend itself against these attacks.  And it is imperative that the international community step up and play a constructive role in de-escalating and stopping the violence.

 “This outbreak of violence only underscores the importance of achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security.  I applaud President Biden’s commitment to this goal, and his efforts to restore what had been the long-standing, bipartisan policy of the United States.

 “I strongly urge both sides to find ways to deescalate this situation, and I call on Palestinian and Israeli leaders to discourage acts of additional violence.  A good step in this direction was the Israeli Supreme Court’s decision to delay the hearing regarding the potential eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan.  But more must be done now to restore calm.”