WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) released the following statement on the ceasefire-hostage deal in Israel and Gaza:
“Today, I am relieved and cautiously optimistic to know that a ceasefire-hostage deal has been agreed upon — that the crucial first step toward a “day after” is in reach, and that hostages in Gaza — including living American hostages Keith Siegel, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Edan Alexander — are closer to coming home.
For more than a year, extraordinary suffering has taken place in Israel and Palestine. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched brutal attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages, including seven American citizens. Israel, reeling from this horrific act of terrorism, availed itself of its right — and responsibility — to defend itself and its people.
During the war that began shortly after October 7th, approximately 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza — including, horrifically, many children. In addition, Gaza has been catapulted into a state of humanitarian crisis — with insufficient access to food, water, fuel, medical supplies, and other necessities.
I have seen the scars of this war up close — traveling to Israel twice since October 7, 2023. I met with Kibbutz community members, grieving parents, and other Israelis impacted by the horror of October 7th. I have met with the families of hostages in Israel and here at home dozens of times. Many of the hostage families urged me to call for a ceasefire and an end to the war, so that they can be reunited with their loved ones or, tragically, bury their dead with dignity.
I am grateful to President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the entire Biden Administration — including National Security Advisor Sullivan, Secretary Blinken, and everyone who has put their lives on hold to work toward peace over the past 14 months. Throughout the various stages of this conflict, I have met with NSA Sullivan and Secretary Blinken, as well as many members of their staff. We owe a debt of gratitude to these hard-working public servants, who have and will continue to move us toward peace in the coming months and years.
A ceasefire is extraordinary progress; and the work is not done. Israel has a right to exist — the Jewish people have a right to live, thrive, and be secure in their cultural, ethnic, and religious practices. We must protect our democratic ally.
And so too, there must be self-determination for Palestinians — liberty, dignity, joy, and a rebuilding — in a state of their own. Long overdue is a continuous, democratic, and autonomous Palestinian State — in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
With the encouraging news of a ceasefire and potential end to the Israel-Hamas War — an end to the war, and security and sovereignty for two nations must be realized.
As I believe: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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