New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an apology on Friday following a speech at a Jewish philanthropy event in New York City, where her remarks sparked controversy.

In her address, Hochul made an analogy suggesting that Israel had the right to destroy Gaza in response to a hypothetical attack, likening it to a scenario where Canada attacked Buffalo, New York.

Hochul’s comments, captured on social media, drew widespread criticism for their insensitivity and potential to incite further tensions. In her statement released on Friday night, the governor expressed regret for her choice of words, acknowledging that the analogy could be hurtful to certain community members.

She emphasized her ongoing support for Israel’s right to self-defense while also emphasizing the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The governor’s apology comes amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated following a Hamas attack on Israel. Israel’s military response has resulted in significant destruction in Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations has called for a ceasefire to address the escalating humanitarian situation, although the U.S. has opposed this, citing concerns about the potential for Hamas to regroup during a ceasefire period.

Additionally, the conflict has had reverberations in American society, with reports of increased incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab bias. Protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza have emerged in various cities across the United States, reflecting the growing concern over the impact of the conflict on civilians and the need for diplomatic solutions.

Governor Hochul’s apology underscores the complexity of addressing sensitive geopolitical issues and the importance of fostering understanding and empathy in discussions about international conflicts.