Kaptur Statement on Ongoing Developments in GazaPress Release

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) a senior member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee released the following statement following news that Israel and Hamas are nearing an agreement on a truce that would end the ongoing war in Gaza, and facilitate the release of the 128 hostages remaining in captivity in Gaza:

"As of earlier today, the latest news reports from the Middle East offer some hope of a pending, temporary truce arising from ongoing protracted negotiations in Egypt and Qatar that may end the costly war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. I hope that this may lead to the return of the remaining 128 hostages in captivity as the first order of business. Then, negotiators must focus on immediate humanitarian assistance to Gazans on the verge of starvation that Hamas have left to fend for themselves for months.

"As recently as yesterday, Hamas killed 3 Israeli soldiers and wounded 3 others at the Kerem Shalom crossing in northern Gaza. This follows a UN crew coming under mortar fire while surveying the site of a US project to build a pier to facilitate hastened aid into Gaza. Both cruel and irresponsible acts resulted in further denial of food and medical supplies to the desperate Gazan people on the edge of starvation.

"While negotiations continue, today in retaliation for the attack on Kerem Shalom, Israel has launched counterstrikes into Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians remain seeking shelter. Although evacuations are underway, this leaves great concern for those unable to flee the area and left in harm's way as the fighting intensifies.

"I remain committed to efforts that will lead to a lasting truce and peace that can take hold in this long-troubled region. I hope that we can continue to work toward a true two-state solution that will allow both the Israeli and Palestinian people to have a home, and know safety, comfort, and peace. Only through continued negotiation can a brokered truce be successful. Let reason prevail so that one day the children of Israel and Palestine can know peace in their time."

Since the start of the conflict in Gaza, Congresswoman Kaptur has remained actively engaged in urging an aggressive diplomatic path forward to address the ongoing conflict and work toward a negotiated two-state solution. On October 8th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement condemning the Hamas terror attacks. On November 3rd, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Egyptian Ambassador Zahran calling for a humanitarian pause so aid could be delivered and those seeking safety could reach it. On November 16th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a dialogue with Jordanian Ambassador Kawar in diplomatic efforts to secure a durable peace. On December 13th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Lebanese Charge D'Affaires Hachem. On December 15th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Pierre. On January 19th, Congresswoman Kaptur urged the State Department to affirm US opposition to forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. On January 31st, Congresswoman Kaptur published an opinion article in the Toledo Blade. On March 28th, Congresswoman Kaptur reaffirmed her support for a two-state solution. On April 4tha, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a call between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden.

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