LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE HOSTAGE RELEASE AND CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT

Washington, DC - Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

For more than a year, since Hamas brutally attacked Israel on October 7, Hamas terrorists have mercilessly held American and Israeli hostages captive in Gaza. This long-overdue agreement will secure the release of many of those hostages, set the stage for others to come home, provide for Israel's security and ensure humanitarian assistance is surged to Palestinian civilians who have been in harm's way. We will not rest until the remaining hostages return home and lasting peace and security are realized for Israel, the Palestinian people and the entire Middle East region.

I commend the relentless leadership of President Biden in facilitating this comprehensive agreement based on the framework presented by the Biden administration in May and approved by the U.N. Security Council. Our support for Israel and our allies and partners across the region have made Israel's enemies weaker and less emboldened to continue obstructing peace and stability. America's commitment to the safety and security of Israel is ironclad and unbreakable. We must also continue our support for those Palestinians who legitimately desire self-determination and peace in the region.

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