Congresswoman Betty McCollum Statement on Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday afternoon, the Biden Administration announced that the government of Israel and terrorist organization Hamas agreed to a six-week ceasefire deal that will pause Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza and include the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. After the announcement was made public, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement:

"After fifteen months of bloodshed and heartbreak, Palestinians and Israelis can finally breathe a sigh of relief," said Congresswoman McCollum. "While we celebrate this breakthrough, it is critical that all parties involved continue to work together to sustain a long-term regional ceasefire to avert future hostilities. In this moment, my heart is with the families of the hostages who have waited too long for their loved ones to return, and also with the people of Palestine who have suffered catastrophic civilian loss of life and will return to their communities to find only destruction."

"In the coming weeks, the United States, our international partners, and the United Nations must work to surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The global community must rally behind this effort. As we work toward achieving lasting peace in the region, Palestinians must have the right to self-determination in Gaza and the West Bank, and Israel must be guaranteed by its neighbors to live in peace without threats to their security."