'So heartbreaking': Lee expresses concern amidst Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calls for two-state solution

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee | Wikimedia Commons

The Israeli government and Hamas recently began another conflict amidst the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. 

Violence this significant has not occurred in the region since the conflicts of 2014. 

American and Egyptian mediators will be traveling to Israel in an attempt to make a peace deal and end the violence. President Joe Biden has stated that Israel has a right to defend itself but has also warned against civilian casualties. 

"We have just concluded the holy month of Ramadan when the prophet Mohammad revealed the holy Quran to Muslims and are about to observe the ancient Jewish holiday of Shavuot marking the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. These are religions of peace and charity and love," said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) in reference to the flair up in violence.

She continued her thoughts in a Twitter thread.

"That is why it is so heartbreaking to witness the outbreak of violence now occurring in Israel and Gaza," Lee said. "I pray that the parties have a ceasefire immediately and that Hamas forswear any future rocket attacks on Israel and that Israel abide by its agreements and international law."

Lee then expressed support for a two-state solution and expressed concern for civilians in the region. 

"For the sake of innocents who live on both sides of the West Bank, a negotiated two-state solution is the path to be sought and pursued," Lee said in her Twitter thread. "Our Middle East allies must immediately begin engaging in negotiating a long-standing peace in the region."

As of Tuesday, 80 Palestinians and seven Israelis have died in the fighting. 

Ramadan ended on May 12. The date is called Eid al-Fitr within Islam and celebrates the end of the fasting that marks Ramadan. The date varies from year to year.