U.S. Rep. Castor Statement on Tentative Israel-Hamas Truce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today issued the following statement on the first phase agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the ongoing hostilities and secure the return of all hostages:

"It is past time to end the war, release the hostages, flood humanitarian aid to the region and build a durable peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people. The horrific Hamas terrorist attack of October 7 and the subsequent suffering of innocent people in Gaza and the region demand a lasting resolution to avoid such trauma and harm in the future.

"I commend the mediators and parties who have labored to bring all sides to the table. But let me be clear: this deal must not be just a temporary pause in violence - it must mark the end of violence across the region. Too often, ceasefires have stopped and started, hostages have suffered in captivity and innocent civilians have borne the heaviest consequences of war."