Statement from Congressman Dan Goldman on Recently Reached Hostage Deal Between Israel and Hamas

“After 466 days of brutal captivity under a barbaric terrorist organization, the innocent hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th will finally start coming home, as will the remains of the hostages who perished in Gaza.   

 

"This long overdue hostage and ceasefire agreement is the first step towards an end to this conflict, which can now lead to a future of peace, security, and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians without the looming threat of Hamas, the terrorist group that executed the worst attack in Israel’s history on October 7. 

 

"I am grateful for the leadership of President Biden and his national security team, who have worked persistently and steadfastly through very difficult circumstances to reach this day.  Although Hamas repeatedly declined to agree to the framework of this ceasefire agreement that President Biden announced in May of 2024, the unyielding and ironclad alliance between the United States and Israel ultimately persuaded Hamas to capitulate.    

  

“With this agreement, the Palestinian people can receive an influx of humanitarian aid and the international community can join together to rebuild Gaza with self-determination for the Palestinian people who have been horribly treated by Hamas. I urge our government to join forces with allies around the world – and especially in the Middle East – to help restore peace and security in the region.  

  

“As we enter the first of three phases of the agreement, I am committed to upholding the conditional ceasefire and ensuring that every person impacted by this conflict, Israeli or Palestinian, is free from the horrors that Hamas unleashed.  We will not stop until every hostage is home.”