Statement from Congressman Dan Goldman on the Release of Hostages and Required Conditions to End Hostilities Between Israel and Hamas

“I am grateful for President Biden’s skillful leadership and diplomacy in securing a critical pause in Gaza to allow for several dozen of the more than 200 innocent babies, children, mothers and elderly to be released to their families after seven weeks in traumatic captivity following their illegal abduction by Hamas on October 7. Critically, this pause also paved the way for a massive influx of desperately needed humanitarian aid into Gaza, and included the release of three times more Palestinian prisoners in Israel who were charged or convicted of serious crimes.

“Having met with numerous family members of Israeli hostages in recent weeks, I am so happy and relieved for those who have received their loved ones from captivity in Gaza.  Like so many others, I am resolutely focused on ending the violence against, and displacement of, civilians in Gaza.  While I’m encouraged that this pause will continue in the coming days to allow for additional hostages to be released and more aid to be delivered, this is not a time for unbridled celebration.  Rather, this is simply a much-belated start down the pathway toward a conclusion to this war brutally initiated by Hamas on October 7.

“On October 6, a ‘mutual and unconditional ceasefire’ existed between Israel and Hamas dating back to May 2021.  On October 7, Hamas, a Designated Terrorist Organization akin to ISIS, savagely attacked Israel, brutally raping, torturing and murdering approximately 1,200 Israelis and illegally abducting more than 200 civilians, including 33 children and citizens of more than 40 countries, most of whom remain in captivity in Gaza more than seven weeks later. Since the October 7 massacre, Hamas leaders have expressly stated a determination to attack Israel until they achieve their objective of eliminating Israel and killing all Jews.  Put simply, Hamas’s continued existence is incompatible with peace for both Israel and the Palestinian people.

“Recognizing this reality, any call for ceasefire that does not address the permanent and unacceptable threat posed by Hamas in the region is in fact a call for unilateral disarmament by Israel.  A resolution that would allow for the end of hostilities must not only include the release of all illegally-abducted Israeli hostages but also the full military and political surrender by Hamas and its removal from Gaza.

“Unless those conditions are met, the United States must continue to support Israel’s just and legitimate defense of its borders and its people against a terrorist enemy dedicated to its annihilation. This support must include urgent supplemental aid to Israel without conditions, as requested by President Biden, so that we can unite in support of our close ally without any domestic political brinksmanship.”

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