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. SNY-
DER, Ms. LEE, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. MEEKS of New York) submitted
the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Inter-
national Relations
RESOLUTION
Expressing grave concern about the continuing escalation
in violence between Israel and the Palestinians.
Whereas recent violence in Israel and the Palestinian terri-
tories has claimed at least 1,900 lives, including more
than 1,450 Palestinians and 450 Israelis, since Sep-
tember 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 re-
sulted in a significant number of civilian deaths;
•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 oc-
cupied’’ 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 pro-
posed 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 terri-
tories, 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 Pal-
estinians back to the negotiating table and ensuring par-
allel 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
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) strongly supports United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1397, which was unanimously
approved by the United States and other members
of the Security Council, with Syria abstaining, that
calls for an immediate cessation of all acts of vio-
lence between Israel and the Palestinians;
•HRES 394 IH
(2) strongly supports United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1402, which was unanimously
approved by the United States and other members
of the Security Council, with Syria abstaining, that
calls for a meaningful cease-fire and withdrawal of
Israeli troops from Palestinian cities;
(3) unequivocally condemns acts of violence
against both Israeli and Palestinian civilians;
(4) urges all parties to recognize that continued
military attacks and terrorist activities will only lead
to escalating violence and the potential destabiliza-
tion of the Middle East and neighboring regions;
(5) urges all parties to stop using state-con-
trolled media or other means of propaganda to incite
hatred and violence; and
(6) urges all parties immediately to ensure the
safety of international human rights observers and
aid workers in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Æ