West Cook News

State Rep. Norma Hernandez (D-Melrose Park) signed a letter along with Democrat colleagues in the state house noting the attack from Hamas on Israeli civilians stemmed from “inequality.”

“We will not be able to achieve peace when millions of Palestinians are denied basic human rights. We urge the United States and the international community to work toward long-term solutions that end the inequality that is at the root cause of the violence,” the letter reads in part.

The letter was signed by 16 members of the Democrat caucus in Springfield.

Safe Suburbs USA PAC noted the letter overlooked atrocities carried out by Hamas on ordinary Israelis.

“Illinois Democrats release statement on violence in Israel. Which of its policies were the ‘root cause’ of the barbarism the world watched unfold at the music festival and elsewhere?” Safe Suburbs said on X.

The letter comes in the wake of the weekend attack on Israeli civilians by Hamas, which has been called a massacre.  

According to the Times of Israel, dozens of foreign journalists witnessed the aftermath of a massacre in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where Hamas terrorists attacked and killed Israeli civilians.

General Itai Veruv of the IDF described the scene as a "massacre," with journalists speaking of the stench of death and the shocking atrocities that took place, including the discovery of bodies of babies, some of whom had been beheaded.

Illinois GOP Chairman Don Tracy was unequivocal in his rebuke to the signatories of the letter.

“The Hamas attack and slaughter of young people at a concert, and their massacre of families, children, babies, and grandparents in southern Israel is an evil atrocity. There can be no justification for the unprovoked slaughter of innocents, and the hate that permeates ideologies that nonetheless seek to justify evil.

“That is precisely what 16 Democrat leaders did earlier this week.”

“The inability of these elected officials to call out evil as evil, and their disgusting attempt to justify evil, should disqualify these individuals from holding public office in Illinois.”

“We call on Governor Pritzker and all Democrats of good faith to disavow this statement and to call on the individuals that made it to either withdraw and apologize or retire from public life.”

“Hate should have no home in Illinois — and the Democrat Party should not be a safe haven for those who would justify the slaughter of innocents.”

The conflict has continued to escalate, with the death toll rising on both sides after Israel responded with bombing of the Palestinian territory.

According to CBS News, Israel is now preparing for a ground offensive in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, while the United Nations warns of war crimes and collective punishment, and the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel to show support amid fears of a broader conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.

President Joe Biden called the Hamas attack “sheer evil” as the first plane carrying U.S. armaments arrived in southern Israel, according to CNBC.  

The Israeli Defense Force also underscored the strong military cooperation between the two countries.

Hamas has also reportedly launched missiles at Ashkelon and a rising death toll on both sides, with over 1,800 casualties reported.