10/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2025 14:43
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement on the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel:
"October 7, 2023, was the deadliest day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages, including American citizens. The horror continues for the families who lost or are still missing their abducted loved ones. We continue to stand with them as we mourn the victims of this attack and remain steadfast in demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
"I attended a very moving breakfast this morning, the Sukkah of Hope, at which we heard from released hostages describing the appalling conditions in which they were held. One woman spoke of being abused repeatedly by Hamas fighters, given very little food and water, and held in darkness. Another spoke of hostages being assassinated in front of her.
"This conflict continues to be profoundly tragic and has made clear to the rest of the world the reality that Israelis could never afford to ignore-Hamas's cruelty knows no bounds, and their control over Gaza threatens the life and safety of everyone in this region.
"Efforts such as the Abraham Accords and the Trump Administration's latest peace proposal for the Middle East demonstrate that progress is possible. Building on that momentum offers the best hope for a future where Israelis and Palestinians alike can live in peace, freedom, and dignity."
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