Thompson Releases Statement on Announcement of Agreement Between Israel and Hamas
Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement after it was announced that an agreement has been brokered by the United States between the Israeli government and Hamas. The agreement would allow for the release of 42 hostages currently held by Hamas — 30 children and 12 women — during a four-day pause in hostilities. As a part of the agreement, 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel.
“After the barbaric and horrific terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, over 200 civilians have been held hostage by the Hamas terrorists. My top priority has always been the release of these hostages, and today’s agreement is a positive step towards getting these civilians home and securing a durable and lasting peace in the region. Any pause in hostilities will help get essential humanitarian aid into the region, and this four day pause will bring much-needed relief.
“I share in the goal of defeating Hamas and rooting out terrorism so that we can move towards peace, but I am concerned at the conduct of war by the Netanyahu government. The levels of suffering and civilian casualties are devastating. While Hamas hides behind civilians, Israel’s military operations must be focused on combatting terror, not collective punishment on innocent Palestinians.
“President Biden has been right to demonstrate support for the Israeli people after the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust, but the United States must insist that the Netanyahu government’s military response to Hamas’ barbarism must have a clear exit strategy and prioritize the protection of innocent civilians.
“Today’s agreement is a step in the right direction towards ending this conflict, and I am heartened that hostages are coming home. Pursuing a lasting and durable peace for the region must remain the ultimate goal of negotiations, and I am committed to securing a better future, including the prospect of a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace.”