January 15, 2025

NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement regarding the tentative ceasefire agreement that is being finalized between Israel and Hamas. Under the agreement as announced, Israeli hostages will be released, there will be a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas, and Palestinian prisoners will be released:

"Millions of New Yorkers have strong ties to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with many having family and loved ones who are directly impacted by the hostage crisis and resulting war. We have all watched in horror as, for more than a year, the conflict has raged, hostages have been kept from their families, thousands of lives have been lost, and communities have been torn apart. It is my deepest hope that this ceasefire deal will not only end this current conflict, but also help bring about a lasting, fair peace in the region.

"As a result of this conflict, we have seen a spike in antisemitism, Islamophobia, hate-based crimes, and disruptive protests throughout our state. As this war hopefully comes to an end, I urge all New Yorkers to stand together in the face of hatred and intolerance, and to remember that what unites us is far stronger than what divides us."