Statement from Congressman Castro on Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to reports of a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas:

"Over the last fifteen months, the war between Israel and Hamas has caused wretched destruction, carnage, and grief. I welcome today's news, but I mourn for the innocent victims of this war, including the Israelis killed and kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and the tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza.

"A sustained ceasefire will create the conditions required to surge humanitarian assistance to Gaza and secure the release of all remaining hostages. My office has spent months advocating for the safe evacuation of families with ties to San Antonio who were trapped in Gaza, and we will continue working until they are reunited with their loved ones.

"Hamas has committed unforgivable crimes - before, on, and since their October 7 attack. They have killed innocent civilians and taken hostages, including infants and young children. There is no justification for such conduct, and those responsible for atrocities should be held fully accountable.

"For many months, human rights monitors have provided serious and credible reports that Israeli military forces operating under the direction of Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government have also committed war crimes, including the intentional deprivation of food, water, and other necessities of life and indiscriminate attacks in civilian areas. They too should be held accountable. I hope that the clarity that a ceasefire offers will enable a full accounting of the toll of this war and the actions of the Israeli government so there can be justice.

"The people of Gaza will need the world's support as they rebuild and look ahead to the future. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am ready to work with my colleagues to do our part in creating the conditions for lasting peace.

"Thank you to President Biden, Secretary Blinken, Director Burns, and everyone who helped negotiate this ceasefire.