Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage deal, potentially ending the conflict between the two after 15 devastating months; below are statements from prominent New Jerseyans on the deal.
SENATOR ANDY KIM
“The announcement of this ceasefire comes as a relief for the families of hostages who have been without their loved ones for 466 days, but far too late for those hostages who have been killed and the thousands of Palestinian civilians who have died since. Those of us in New Jersey are pressing for Edan Alexander to be one of those released, and I have made that clear to the White House.
The terms of this ceasefire are only as good as the willingness of both sides to adhere to its conditions, and I strongly encourage the Israeli government and Hamas to move forward in good faith. Every day forward must be dedicated to ensuring that the tragedy of October 7th and the events that have taken place since never happens again. The Palestinian people need immediate humanitarian assistance and support for rebuilding, and deserve a pathway to statehood, respect, and stability. That cannot happen with Hamas in charge. Hamas is a terrorist organization, an existential threat to the state of Israel, and should be removed from power. The Israeli people deserve that same security and stability and ability to defend itself from external threats.
This must be the moment where we break the cycle of violence in the Middle East. Israeli and Palestinian families deserve a world where their children can grow up free from fear and with greater opportunity and prosperity delivered. I will work with the incoming administration to set the conditions to achieve the goal of this being the last ceasefire that is necessitated in this conflict.”
CONGRESSMAN FRANK PALLONE
“For 15 agonizing months, families of hostages like Edan Alexander from Tenafly, NJ, have endured unimaginable pain. Today’s agreement offers a glimmer of hope with the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly—a critical step forward. Yet, we must not lose sight of Hamas’ ongoing atrocities, including the use of human shields and oppression of innocent civilians in Gaza.
The October 7 attacks reminded the world of Israel’s existential threats and Hamas’ heinous tactics. This agreement, with its temporary ceasefire and phased release of hostages, underscores Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens while prioritizing the safe return of every hostage.
True peace requires disarming Hamas and ensuring safety for all innocent lives. The release of Palestinian prisoners, some linked to Israeli deaths, highlights the painful complexities of these negotiations. My thoughts are with those still waiting for news. America must remain steadfast in supporting Israel.”
CONGRESSMAN JOSH GOTTHEIMER
“After 467 days of unimaginable suffering at the hands of Hamas terrorists, negotiators finally reached an agreement to reunite innocent civilians with their families and loved ones. I applaud the tireless work of the negotiators that paved the way for the return of the hostages, a temporary pause in hostilities, and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians being used by Hamas as human shields.
From the very beginning, the United States, Israel, and our regional partners have worked to secure a deal that guarantees Israel’s security, holds the terrorists accountable, and ensures the safe return of hostages. Hamas has repeatedly attempted to stall progress and good faith negotiations.
While today’s deal marks an important step forward, the unfortunate reality is that this war is not over until all the hostages, especially the Americans, are released and Israel’s security is ensured. We cannot forget that on October 7, Hamas terrorists brutally kidnapped, raped, decapitated, burned alive, and murdered more than a thousand innocent babies, children, women, men, and elderly, including dozens of Americans. We cannot forget that the Iranian-backed terrorist organization and its leaders have continuously exploited the suffering of both innocent hostages and Palestinian civilians to prolong the war they started. We cannot forget that Israel has the absolute right to defend herself, and must hold every single terrorist accountable for the atrocities committed on October 7 to ensure it can never happen again.
We will not rest until every single hostage, including all the Americans and my constituent, Edan Alexander, is reunited with their families and loved ones.”
CONGRESSWOMAN BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN
“I thank God that a ceasefire deal has, at long last, been reached. The last 15 months have been a time of great pain for many New Jerseyans. I’m grateful that hostages will be returning home and the innocent civilians in Gaza can live without the constant fear of bloodshed and begin the process of rebuilding their communities.
We must turn our focus now to ensuring that this peace endures. We must hold all parties to this agreement accountable to their commitments, and support the international aid organizations in their effort to rebuild Gaza.
While this agreement offers a path forward, the road ahead will be long and difficult. There will be halts and starts. It will take time. We have no choice but to work earnestly and honestly, in good faith and of pure heart, to lay a firm foundation upon which a sturdy future can be built.
Past leaders have failed young Israelis and Palestinians alike, most of whom have only known a world filled with fear. These past failures cannot become a burden borne by the young and innocent children across the region. We all have a responsibility to foster a future of compassion and grace — to put anger and hatred aside, and pursue peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
CONGRESSMAN TOM KEAN JR.
“As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve met with individuals whose family members have been taken hostage, those who have joined the IDF to defend Israel, and those who have lost loved ones in this conflict. I am grateful that a deal has been reached, which includes the release of dozens of hostages, including American citizens, held in Gaza. This is a positive step forward, and I commend this progress. However, we must continue working toward the release of all hostages—and we will not rest until every American is returned to their families and loved ones. Since the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, Israel has fought to defend itself, and I will always stand by Israel’s right to protect its people.”