November 22, 2023

Senator Warren Statement on the Cease-fire Agreement to Release Hostages and Provide Humanitarian Aid

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement on the cease-fire agreement to release hostages and provide humanitarian aid:

“President Biden’s efforts in the Middle East have resulted in a significant diplomatic breakthrough, delivering the release of dozens of hostages kidnapped by Hamas and much-needed relief for Palestinians trapped by this conflict. I strongly support this temporary cease-fire, and I urge all parties to extend this agreement and work to achieve an enduring end to this fighting.”

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military strategy has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe, the deaths of thousands of civilians in Gaza, and endangered the region’s long-term stability. That’s why I’ve repeatedly urged the Israeli government to stop the bombing in Gaza, and I’ve pressed for massive humanitarian aid for civilians. Hamas must release the remaining hostages and stop its attacks. The Israeli government should not resume bombing in Gaza, which would be a grave strategic and moral mistake.”

“Even as I welcome this cease-fire and work to extend it, I remember the thousands of civilians – Israeli, Palestinian, and others – who lost their lives during this horrific violence. This cease-fire cannot end in a return to the status quo and must be the first step toward crafting a durable, two-state agreement to ensure the long-term security of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Senator Warren remains committed to a just and lasting peace and protecting innocent civilians, including: 

  • On November 8, Senator Warren joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and the majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus in a letter to President Biden, condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. 
  • On November 3, Senator Warren called on Israel to stop bombing Gaza.
  • On November 2, Senator Warren and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led 13 of their Senate colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of hostilities.
  • On November 1, Senators Warren, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) sent a letter to President Biden expressing serious concerns about what the invasion and potential occupation of Gaza would mean for the well-being of Palestinian residents and the long-term security of Israel.
  • On October 27, Senator Warren released a statement with 9 of her Senate colleagues calling for humanitarian pauses and hostage releases
  • On October 19, 2023, Senators Warren and Murphy, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, led 32 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Biden administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza.
  • On October 18, 2023, Senators Warren, Markey, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) wrote a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan urging them to do everything possible to provide assistance to U.S. citizens fleeing the Gaza Strip, including constituents from New England.

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