Congresswoman Grace Meng has issued a statement regarding the recent deal reached between Israel and Hamas, marking a critical step towards the release of hostages and the alleviation of humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
The agreement will secure the freedom of 98 hostages, including 7 Americans, who have been held in dire conditions. In the deal’s first phase, 33 individuals—comprising women, children, elderly men, and injured younger men—are set to be released. Meng emphasized the harrowing stories shared by families of those still captive and committed to working until every hostage is brought home or accounted for.
Additionally, the ceasefire accompanying the deal aims to provide much-needed aid to Gaza, addressing the severe humanitarian crisis by improving access to food, water, shelter, and medical supplies, especially as winter intensifies.
Meng expressed gratitude to President Biden and his administration, as well as the incoming Trump Administration, for their collaborative efforts to secure this agreement. However, she stressed the importance of remaining vigilant to ensure the deal’s implementation and prevent potential breaches by Hamas.
Meng reiterated her commitment to fostering long-term peace in the region while highlighting the persistent threat posed by Hamas, Hezbollah, and their proxies to Israel’s stability.
“Peace is possible,” Meng stated, “but it cannot come as long as Hamas, Hezbollah, and its proxies continue to seek Israel’s destruction.”