MENG STATEMENT ON HOSTAGE AND CEASEFIRE DEAL REACHED BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) released the following statement today on the hostage and ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas:

"Today marks 467 days since October 7^th, 2023, when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, massacred over 1,200 people, and took more than 240 hostages.

The deal between Israel and Hamas is a critical step toward securing the release of all 98 people-including 7 Americans-who remain captive in Gaza, and the freedom of those who remain alive in unimaginable conditions.

According to the public terms of the deal, 33 hostages will be released in its first phase, including women, children, men over the age of 50, and men under the age of 50 who are wounded and sick. In my meetings with released hostages and the families of hostages still held captive, I have heard unthinkable stories of the suffering they and their loved ones have endured, including torture and sexual violence. We will not rest until all the hostages come home, including the remains of those who have been murdered by Hamas.

Crucially, this ceasefire will also allow a surge of aid into Gaza, bringing much-needed relief to Palestinian civilians who are experiencing a humanitarian crisis, especially in the midst of winter, when access to food, water, shelter, and medical supplies is key.

I would like to thank President Biden and his team, as well as the incoming Trump Administration, for their persistent jointefforts to reach this deal. However, we must remain vigilant and continue working with guarantors, partners, and allies in the region to ensure that this long-awaited agreement is fully implemented, and that Hamas does not breach its terms.

As I've said before, we must chart a path toward stability and security throughout the region, for Israelis, for Palestinians, and all who seek it. Peace is possible-but it cannot come as long as Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and its proxies continue to seek Israel's destruction."