Washington, DC – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) welcomes reports of a ceasefire and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas with cautious optimism and persistent hope.
Contact Tim McHugh: media@fcnl.org, 202-903-2515
“News of an agreement between Hamas and Israel to stop the fighting and begin the release of hostages and prisoners is welcome and long overdue. While this ceasefire cannot bring back the tens of thousands who have died, it is our sincere hope that today’s news is a real and lasting step toward a new future,” said Bridget Moix, FCNL’s general secretary. “We know the work is far from over. Palestinians and Israelis need a permanent ceasefire, the return of all Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners, and unfettered access to robust humanitarian aid. The road to recovery, justice, and security for all the region’s people will be long and the U.S. must stay committed to supporting an enduring peace process.”
After more than a year of bombing, Gaza’s infrastructure has been decimated. Homes, hospitals, schools, utilities, and other critical infrastructure for Palestinians must be immediately rebuilt. Guarantees of long-term stability and protection for civilians through robust ceasefire monitoring must accompany this reconstruction.
“Sustainable peace requires finally addressing the root causes of violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Israeli occupation, the blockade of Gaza, systemic oppression, settler violence, annexation, and inequality faced by Palestinians must end,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, FCNL’s legislative director for Middle East policy. “The US government should stop shipping more offensive weapons for Israel, which have been used in violation of U.S. and international humanitarian law. The government must use its leverage with all stakeholders to keep the peace process on track.”
The Israeli cabinet will still need to ratify or reject the ceasefire. At least one cabinet member has serious reservations about ratification, so the result remains uncertain.
“FCNL has long believed that war is not the answer. There is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If anything, this agreement demonstrates the enduring need to persist for peace no matter the odds,” Moix said.
To learn more, please visit www.fcnl.org.
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