MENG STATEMENT ON NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS TO RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES AND BRING PEACE TO GAZA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, released a statement following the announcement of a phase one agreement between Israel and Hamas to bring home the remaining hostages, which could lead to an end to the war and bring peace to Gaza:

"For over two years, 20 hostages held in the tunnels deep underground in Gaza have been waiting to take a breath of fresh air.

With the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to phase one of a peace agreement, millions around the world are hopeful they will be able to breathe a sigh of relief alongside them as they are released from captivity, rejoin their families, and begin the long journey toward rehabilitation.

The families of the 28 hostages who are no longer with us-including American citizens Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, and Hadar Goldin, whose body has been held since 2014 and whose parents are my constituents-will hopefully finally be able to put their loved ones to rest.

Over two million Palestinians will hopefully be able to start emerging from a humanitarian crisis and rebuilding their lives.

I welcome this deal and join the world in praying for its success, the release of the hostages, an end to the war, a surge in humanitarian aid, and a chance to start building peace in Gaza, and across the Middle East. While there is much more work ahead of us, I am grateful for the hard-fought negotiations between the Trump Administration, Israel, and partners across the Middle East. We must do everything in our power to end this tragic and painful chapter and secure lasting peace."