WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to stop the fighting and release Israeli hostages, brokered with the support of the Biden Administration. The agreement was approved following months of negotiations, and more than 15 months after the start of the conflict which has displaced more than two million Palestinians, injured more than 110,000 and killed more than 46,600 people in Gaza, and led to widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and mosques.
Senator Welch released the following statement:
“Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to stop the fighting. This is in large part because of Biden Administration leaders who worked hard to reach this ceasefire, which enables the release and return of hostages to the safety of their loved ones. Humanitarian aid must now be surged into Gaza and discussions on securing a durable peace can begin.
“The cruelty and depravity of Hamas on October 7th will be remembered forever. The murder of 1,200 innocent Israeli citizens and the abduction of 240 hostages was a crime against humanity, and we continue to mourn for those who were lost that day.
“Right now, it is urgent that Gaza gets the help it desperately needs—it is in ruins, and tragically more than 46,600 are dead. Acute hunger is widespread and adequate medical care is nonexistent. Stabilizing and rebuilding Gaza will take years and a strong commitment is necessary from the international community, including the United States.
“I will work with my colleagues to ensure that addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza remains a priority and that all parties continue to take constructive steps forward, including full implementation of the ceasefire deal. It is now incumbent on the Trump Administration to prevent further loss of innocent life, ensure the release of the remaining hostages and carry forward an expectation for peace. The United States must remain committed to a lasting two-state solution for peace because the Israeli people will only be truly secure by upholding the inherent rights and dignity of the Palestinian people—side by side.”
In November 2023, Sen. Welch called for an indefinite ceasefire to stop the bombing, prevent further loss of civilian life, extend access to humanitarian relief to those who have been displaced, and continue negotiations to secure hostages.
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