Schatz Statement On Release Of Living Israeli Hostages

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement after the 20 surviving Israeli hostages were freed today as part of a ceasefire agreement.

"Today, after more than two years of unspeakable suffering, the 20 surviving Israeli hostages are finally home, reunited with their families and communities. While nothing will ever fully mend the trauma from the horrors they endured nor their loved ones' anguish awaiting answers, today marks a significant step towards closure and healing, both for all those directly affected by this horrific ordeal and the entire nation of Israel. As we celebrate today, we also mourn the hostages who died in Hamas' captivity and hope for their swift return. May their memory be a blessing.

"With hostages home and a ceasefire in Gaza, we sincerely hope that this first phase will lead to a lasting peace in the region - one that ensures safety and security for Israelis and Palestinians in the years to come."

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