Senator Murray Statement on Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal Between Israel and Hamas

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the announcement that Israel and Hamas have struck a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages being held in Gaza.

"I am encouraged by the news of a deal for a ceasefire and look forward to the release of hostages who have been held in Gaza by Hamas for more than a year in unspeakable conditions. This awful war has gone on far too long and has taken the lives of far too many innocent civilians, including thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.

"I look forward to seeing all of the surviving hostages released and returned to their families, and seeing an immediate surge in humanitarian aid flow into Gaza to meet the acute needs of suffering and starving civilians who have been caught in the middle of this horrific war through no fault of their own. There is a long road ahead to rebuild Gaza-and I have said many times, indefinite Israeli control over Gaza is unacceptable, as is any contraction of territory for the Palestinians. And I will continue to oppose and condemn the brazen violence by far-right Israeli settlers and the illegal expansion of settlements we have seen in the West Bank, which further erodes the safety of civilians and prospects for peace. I am hopeful that real efforts can now begin in earnest to secure long-lasting peace and security for all Israelis and Palestinians.

"As we learn more about this deal and the next steps, I will continue to follow this closely-my thoughts are with the hostages and civilians in Gaza and Israel who want, and deserve, to finally see peace."

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