Kaine Statement on Anniversary of October 7 Hamas Terrorist Attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Hamas' terrorist attack in Israel:

"One year ago, at the end of Sukkot and the beginning of Simchat Torah, Hamas inflicted horrific violence in a sickening attack on Israel, brutally murdering nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Today and every day, we mourn the lives lost on October 7 and the suffering of civilians in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon in the year since. It's long past time for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal to release the hostages and establish a ceasefire in Gaza. It is in the best interest of U.S. and Israeli national security, as well as for the safety of U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East, that we urgently de-escalate tensions across the region and find a path back to peace-so the Israeli, Palestinian, and Lebanese people can live side by side as neighbors and with the safety and dignity they deserve."

Kaine has long supported Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, and other actors who seek to harm Israel, while also protecting civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. He has repeatedly called for a deal to release hostages, establish a ceasefire, and increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

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