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November 22, 2023 Washington D.C.—Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) released the following statement today on the hostage release in Gaza. “I am happy to hear the news that 50 hostages will soon be released and reunited with their families. I want to applaud President Biden and his team’s relentless efforts as well as those of our allies and partners in the region. However, while we can rejoice for the families of those who are coming home, we should not rest until all the hostages are safely returned to their families.” “I am also grateful that a pause in the fighting has been negotiated which will allow humanitarian aid to reach the innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza. While any break in the suffering of all people caught in this conflict is welcome, we cannot rest until there is a long-term solution that prevents any more civilian casualties while ensuring the security of the people of Israel and Palestine.” “For the last six weeks, we’ve seen that innocent Palestinian men, women, and children have been deprived of the most basic human necessities, as mothers and fathers have had to mourn the hopes and dreams they once had for their children, and as Gazans who have known no other home have had to uproot their lives with no final destination.” “I hope that this humanitarian pause can serve as a starting point for long-term stability to be achieved. Only then can an international effort to rebuild Gaza and a renewed effort to bring about lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians begin in earnest.” |
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