Rep. Smith Renews Calls for Ceasefire Agreement Following Fire in Rafah

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement on the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza and the urgent need to reach a ceasefire agreement.

“It is absolutely imperative that Israel, Hamas, and our partners in the region reach a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible to halt the fighting, get more humanitarian aid into Gaza, and bring the hostages home. The fire in Rafah is an absolute tragedy. As long as this war continues, these tragedies will continue, and the humanitarian crisis will worsen. Hamas must stop standing in the way of legitimate ceasefire negotiations to achieve a deal that will begin to ease the immense suffering of the people in Gaza.

“A ceasefire agreement is in the best interests of Israel, Palestinians, and peace and stability in the Middle East, and must be achieved to begin to chart a path to a two-state solution. Netanyahu’s unwillingness to support the creation of a viable Palestinian state and an alternative to Hamas governance in Gaza is antithetical to peace and stability in the region and should be condemned.

“I applaud the Biden Administration for their continued efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, and not losing sight of the ultimate goal of a two-state solution. I urge the administration to continue these crucial negotiations with partners in the region. A ceasefire agreement must be achieved, and I will continue pushing for that outcome.”

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