After more than 15 months of horrific violence in Gaza and across the Middle East, it’s welcome news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to exchange dozens of hostages and commit to a temporary pause in fighting. These exchanges acknowledge a fundamental truth: every life has inherent value, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that details are still being finalized. The Israeli cabinet is expected to meet on Thursday to vote on ratifying the agreement, which faces opposition from far-right officials.
This deal is an important step, but it is not enough. While FCNL applauds this agreement, we lament that it comes far too late for the tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives, limbs, or loved ones due to indiscriminate Israeli bombings and severe aid restrictions. It also comes far too late for the 1,200 Israeli civilians killed on October 7 and the nearly 100 Israeli hostages and their families who have been living in agony, separated from their loved ones for well over a year now.
As FCNL has long said, war is not the answer. There is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict, only a diplomatic one that addresses root causes of violence. This agreement demonstrates the enduring power of dialogue over violence.
While this is a critical step forward for peace, the work is far from over. We must secure a permanent ceasefire, ensure the return of all remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners, provide unfettered access to humanitarian aid, and work toward a just and lasting peace for all. U.S. lawmakers must press for continued diplomatic engagement across the region, including in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran, to prevent more war and needless civilian suffering.
This is a critical step forward for peace. But the work is far from over.
All parties must immediately work to ensure that humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and essential services, reaches those in dire need without delay or obstruction.
The scale of suffering in Gaza is catastrophic and requires a historic, robust relief and recovery effort. Restoration of U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the repeal of the Israeli Knesset’s recent restrictions on this lifesaving UN agency are critical to addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis, delivering essential services, and preventing further famine and suffering in Gaza.
After more than a year of constant shelling, Gaza’s infrastructure has been devastated and is in desperate need of rebuilding. Immediate efforts must be made to rebuild homes, hospitals, schools, utilities, and other critical infrastructure needed for Palestinians to live in dignity. Guarantees of long-term stability and protection for civilians through robust ceasefire monitoring must accompany reconstruction efforts. Particularly in light of the United States’ complicity in the devastation of Gaza through its continued provision of weapons and other military assistance to Israel, our government has a responsibility to do everything in its power to support the Palestinian people in the long and difficult road ahead toward recovery.
This ceasefire deal must also not mean impunity for war crimes and other violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. All parties responsible for atrocities against civilians, whether through indiscriminate attacks, disproportionate use of force, or the denial of humanitarian assistance, must be held accountable through independent investigations and international legal processes, including through the International Criminal Court.
Moreover, sustainable peace requires finally addressing the root causes of violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict such as ending the Israeli occupation, the blockade on Gaza, systemic oppression, Israeli settler violence, annexation, and systemic inequality faced by Palestinians. Congress and the administration must act by withholding further offensive weapons transfers to Israel, which have been used in violation of United States law and policy and International Humanitarian Law. U.S. lawmakers must use their leverage with all stakeholders in the region to keep the peace process on track.
While the challenges ahead are immense for the region, this initial ceasefire agreement is an essential first step. Now it’s up to lawmakers and advocates alike to look for willing partners in peace to advance shared goals of civilian protection and lasting political solutions that ensure equality for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
