Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Israeli cabinet's approval of the ceasefire and hostage-return deal negotiated with Hamas:

"I am encouraged that the Israeli cabinet has approved the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, paving the way for the safe return of the remaining hostages taken on October 7. Every effort must be made to reunite these individuals with their families and ensure their well-being after over a year of unimaginable suffering. I have long supported an immediate ceasefire to end hostilities, bring hostages home, and pave the way for a two-state solution.

"At the same time, this agreement brings an opportunity to dramatically increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been devastated by this conflict. Over two million people, many of them children, are facing dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Hospitals are near collapse, and entire communities have been reduced to rubble. Without swift and substantial humanitarian aid, the suffering of Palestinians will only be prolonged, preventing progress toward long-term regional stability.

"Never forget that this war began because of Hamas' attack on October 7^th. Hamas is a terrorist organization that cannot play any role in going forward.

"This destructive war has caused incalculable loss on both sides. I am relieved it is finally nearing an end, which will enable civilians on both sides to resume their lives, and for the rebuilding of Gaza to begin. This process must be seen through to the end."