Rep. Smith Statement on Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

I welcome the news of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which occurred as a result of intense negotiations and diligent work by our allies and partners across the region, aided by the leadership of the Biden Administration. This ceasefire agreement would provide a halt to the conflict that has waged for the last 15 months, ever since Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel, where they killed more than 1,200 people – including 46 Americans – and captured hundreds of hostages, including Americans.     

The conflict that followed has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced millions of people. From Rafah to Tel Aviv, far too many have been impacted by this horrific conflict, and I celebrate the news of a ceasefire.     

This ceasefire agreement would halt the fighting in Gaza, return the hostages captured by Hamas, ensure Israel’s security, and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. This is an extraordinary opportunity to end the violence that has taken far too many lives and threatened the stability of the entire region. Going forward, we must take steps to ensure there is a future of self-governance for the Palestinian people and long-term security for Israel. It is the only path to peace in the region.

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