IV

107TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. RES. 394

Expressing grave concern about the continuing escalation in violence between

Israel and the Palestinians.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

APRIL 18, 2002

Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. STARK, Mr. RAHALL, Mr.

FARR of California, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. ISSA, Mr. SNYDER, Ms. LEE, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. MEEKS of New York) submitted

the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing grave concern about the continuing escalation

in violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

Whereas recent violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories has claimed at least 1,900 lives, including more

than 1,450 Palestinians and 450 Israelis, since September 2000;

Whereas suicide bombings have become increasingly frequent

and have claimed the lives of dozens of innocent Israeli

civilians;

Whereas the Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian

Authority, and incursions into Palestinian cities, have resulted in a significant number of civilian deaths;
2

•HRES 394 IH

Whereas on April 4, 2002, President Bush called for ‘‘Israel

to halt incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas and

begin the withdrawal from those cities it has recently occupied’’ and an end to suicide bombings;

Whereas various parties, including the President of the

United States, the European Union, Saudi Arabia and

the Arab League, and the Mitchell Commission have proposed potential paths toward peace, including recognition

of Israel’s right to exist, guaranteeing Israeli security

within its 1967 borders, creation of a viable Palestinian

state, halting Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories, and negotiations to determine the final status of

Jerusalem and refugees;

Whereas sustained, high-level diplomatic engagement by the

United States is crucial in bringing the Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table and ensuring parallel goals of peace and security; and

Whereas there are hundreds of civilians from many countries,

including the United States, who are serving selflessly

and risking their own lives as human rights observers

and aid workers in an increasingly dangerous situation in

the region: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

2 (1) strongly supports United Nations Security

3 Council Resolution 1397, which was unanimously

4 approved by the United States and other members

5 of the Security Council, with Syria abstaining, that

6 calls for an immediate cessation of all acts of vio7 lence between Israel and the Palestinians;
3

•HRES 394 IH

1 (2) strongly supports United Nations Security

2 Council Resolution 1402, which was unanimously

3 approved by the United States and other members

4 of the Security Council, with Syria abstaining, that

5 calls for a meaningful cease-fire and withdrawal of

6 Israeli troops from Palestinian cities;

7 (3) unequivocally condemns acts of violence

8 against both Israeli and Palestinian civilians;

9 (4) urges all parties to recognize that continued

10 military attacks and terrorist activities will only lead

11 to escalating violence and the potential destabiliza12 tion of the Middle East and neighboring regions;

13 (5) urges all parties to stop using state-con14 trolled media or other means of propaganda to incite

15 hatred and violence; and

16 (6) urges all parties immediately to ensure the

17 safety of international human rights observers and

18 aid workers in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Æ