DeLauro Secures Report on US Involvement in Gaza Ceasefire

WASHINGTON -Today, US Representative Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement regarding language she secured in the committee report of the 2027 Defense Appropriations Bill which would require a report from the Department of Defense within 30 days regarding US support for the Gaza 20-point peace plan, as well as disclosing whether US weapons or resources are being used in contravention of the ceasefire:

"Gaza is in a humanitarian crisis-we cannot turn away. We must understand what is happening on the ground, and how our Department of Defense is involved. That is why I secured this language in the 2027 Defense Appropriations Bill to ensure that U.S. weapons, equipment, or other resources, are not being used in violation of the terms of the ceasefire. I look forward to receiving this critical information from the DOD.

"It has been over six months since the so-called ceasefire began in Gaza, and Israeli attacks have killed over a thousand Palestinians, as near-daily strikes, shelling, and gunfire continue. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid has not met the minimum requirements. Seventy percent of the population is still in need of shelter. Fewer than 40% of healthcare facilities in Gaza are operational, and nearly 2 million Palestinians are confined to under half the territory. And 77 percent of the population continues to face hunger, with 3,700 children still requiring treatment for malnutrition. Yet the Israeli government has restricted aid groups from providing critical items like generators and medical supplies.

"Meanwhile, President Trump's 20 point plan and the Board of Peace that is supposed to administer it are stalled. Despite the creation of a 15-person committee of Palestinian leaders to govern Gaza, Hamas retains control of nearly half of the Strip, while Israel controls the rest. The committee members have not entered Gaza and have yet to establish any authority on the ground. This is not a situation that can create lasting peace."