Larson Statement on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which includes the release of 33 hostages from Gaza.

"I am hopeful to see a deal that will halt the catastrophic fighting in Gaza, free 33 hostages from their Hamas captors, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to innocent civilians," said Larson. "I applaud President Biden and Secretary Blinken for their tireless diplomatic efforts with our allies in the Middle East to pressure Hamas to accept a deal. I commend the President, President-elect Trump, and their teams for working together as they get ready to implement this deal. The families of hostages forcibly held by Hamas have waited for more than a year to be reunited with their loved ones, and some, whose children were brutally murdered at the hands of a terrorist organization, will never get the chance. Former Connecticut resident Jonathan Dekel-Chen's son, Sagui, continues to be held by his Hamas captors after 466 days.

"The United States must continue to use our leverage to ensure the remaining phases of this deal are implemented, which would free the approximately 65 hostages who will still be in captivity, put a permanent end to the fighting, and rebuild Gaza. Ultimately, peace will only come from a two-state solution that gives both Israelis and Palestinians self-determination and the right to live their lives free from conflict," Larson concluded.