Press Releases

Washington DC – Today, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement on the hostage deal and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas:

“My heart is full of hope for the relief that is about to arrive for hundreds of Israeli family members and the people of Israel, who have waited 15 months for this day. I am deeply grateful to President Biden and his administration for their tireless work to achieve an agreement to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza after 467 days of unimaginable hardship. This deal is a defining moment for President Biden's legacy and history will remember his commitment to securing our ally Israel from Iran and its terrorist proxies, returning the hostages, and seeking a just and lasting peace for Israelis, Palestinians and their neighbors.

“Throughout this crisis, I have used my platform to uplift the voices and stories of the hostages and their families, especially those who are Americans. There is nothing we can do to alleviate the suffering these families have experienced over the last 15 months, but I am hopeful that this agreement will bring peace and provide relief for them, and allow for rapid delivery of aid to innocent Palestinians who have been victims of Hamas as well. It is now up to all of us, including the incoming Administration, to see this agreement through and ensure that all hostages - the living and remains - are returned to their families along with a guarantee that all parties live up to their responsibilities.

“I hope that this deal can open the door for a long-term ceasefire where Gaza is free of Hamas rule, the beginning of Gaza’s reconstruction, and reinforcing Israel's security through normalization with Saudi Arabia and joint efforts to counter Iran. I look forward to supporting these efforts as a co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus and working with the Trump Administration to ensure complete implementation of this agreement.”

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