BURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary on the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas:

“October 7th is a day that will be remembered in Israel and around the world for its cruelty and depravity. The massacre waged by Hamas and other militant groups was shocking. I join my fellow Vermonters in mourning the loss of 1,200 innocent people in Israel—including more than 40 Americans killed that day—and remember the more than 250 people taken hostage. Many of Hamas’ victims were children, the elderly, women, and young people attending a music festival. We must all unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutality and disregard for human life, and recommit to standing up against antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

“One year after that day, and one year into this conflict—which has brought so much death and destruction—it is clear how urgent and necessary a ceasefire remains. We must end the fighting in Israel, in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon and across the region. We must de-escalate to avoid further conflict and the loss of more innocent life, negotiate a safe release of the remaining hostages, and help those suffering from the appalling humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 42,000 have died, and now the growing crisis in Lebanon. The answer to Hamas’ brutality on October 7th cannot be endless violence.”

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