Thinking Through a U.S. Strategy Toward Gaza: A Congressional View

Washington, DC -- On March 5th, the New America Foundation hosted an event featuring Congressmen Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Brian Baird (D-WA), who called for the immediate opening of the crossings into Gaza.

Showcasing a video of conversations they had with Gazan civilians, the lawmakers emphasized opening the crossings was necessary for both security purposes (Gazan and Israeli) and desperate humanitarian conditions that need to be addressed forthwith.

The Congressmen also made clear, that solving the closure issue will require active engagement on the part of the United States.

Also participating in last week's event was New America Foundation Middle East Task Force Director Daniel Levy. Levy emphasized the extent to which opening the crossings and creating economic breathing space for Gazans would act as a disincentive for provocations by Hamas, making the possibility of unification between the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank and Gaza more likely. 

For video highlights of the Congressmen's trip: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74boaFtZvCA#t=14m36s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74boaFtZvCA#t=18m52s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74boaFtZvCA#t=22m46s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74boaFtZvCA#t=42m56s

About New America
The New America Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute whose purpose is to bring exceptionally promising new ideas and new voices to the fore of our nation's public discourse. New America is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has offices in California.