DeLauro Statement on Hamas Dissolving Gaza Government

WASHINGTON-Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding Hamas' announcement that it would dissolve its governing arms in Gaza in preparation to hand over governance to the committee of Palestinian leaders selected under the current 20-point peace plan:

"Hamas' announcement that it would dissolve its quasi-government in Gaza and hand over control to Palestinian leaders selected under the peace plan is an encouraging step in the process, but much more needs to be done for the 20-point plan to move forward. Hamas must commit to laying down its weapons and allowing humanitarian aid to enter all parts of the territory it controls. Israel must also cease its attacks in Gaza that are in violation of the ceasefire agreement, and allow a massive surge of aid into Gaza. The people of Gaza are still in desperate need of food, medicine, and shelter supplies.

"Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be the first priority of all parties before any meaningful process can be made toward peace. That requires Hamas to lay down their arms, and Israel to abide by the ceasefire."

###