CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE HAMAS AND ISRAEL CEASEFIRE AND HOSTAGE DEAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 15, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: [email protected]

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas:

"I am extraordinarily grateful to see a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas that will both bring an end to the devastating conflict that has raged since the terrorist attack of October 7th, 2023 and return the many dozens of men, women, and children taken into captivity that day back to their families. While this is a moment for celebration, we must continue the necessary work to secure a lasting and absolute peace agreement that centers the security of our ally Israel, the sovereignty of the Palestinian people, and the stability of a region that has faced far too much pain.

"My constituents are among the most diverse in our nation. I have seen firsthand the heartbreak and despair our Muslim and Jewish neighbors in Brooklyn ceaselessly faced over these difficult 15 months of conflict. They will remain in my thoughts as they mourn the loss of their loved ones, and as they begin to look forward to better days ahead. I am certain our community will not fail to stand with and support them through whatever challenges and hardships the future may bring.

"The conclusion of this terrible chapter must signal the start of a different path. On the long road to come, the United States must continue to reaffirm the long-standing position that a Two-State Solution is the only acceptable foundation for peace. Humanitarian relief must be delivered to and received by the innocent people of Gaza expeditiously, who suffered unimaginable horrors over these many months of war. And the cycle of violence, destruction, hate, and harm must end today."