Velázquez Statement on Ceasefire Agreement

WASHINGTON- Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the Israeli government and Hamas struck a deal for a ceasefire and exchange of hostages:

"The ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas is a welcome step toward ending the violence in Israel and Gaza. Since October 2023, I've called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Over the past 15 months, more than 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with over half of those killed being women, children, or older people. Throughout this conflict, I've mourned the innocent lives lost in Gaza, and I'm thankful that a ceasefire agreement to end this carnage has been reached.

"I'm also grateful that all hostages will finally be able to return home. I will never forget the 1,200 innocent Israelis who were brutally killed by Hamas on October 7th and the hundreds of hostages who were forced to flee their homes and live in horrific conditions for over a year.

"Now, the United States and countries around the world must do everything in their power to ensure this ceasefire agreement is fully implemented. All sides must honor this agreement by swiftly releasing all hostages, halting the violence, respecting borders, permitting people to return home, and allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

"This agreement is an important step toward lasting peace in the region, but there is much work to be done to implement the next phases of this deal. Among the international community, there must be a focus on rebuilding Gaza and pushing for a two-state solution that ensures self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

###