WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the announced peace agreement between Israel and Hamas:
“After over 730 days, this ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is a hopeful and fragile moment for Israelis and Palestinians, the Middle East, the international community, and for all Americans, including New Jerseyans, who have felt the immense pain of this conflict in our own communities.
“This agreement is a critical step towards finally ending this war, releasing all remaining hostages, and surging humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. But it is just the beginning - I urge all parties to fully implement the terms of this initial agreement without delay. All parties must also move swiftly to the next phase, which is critical to rebuilding Gaza, removing Hamas from power, ensuring Israel’s security, and ultimately ending the cycle of violence in the region through a two-state solution that guarantees Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state alongside the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
“Now, as the initial steps of this agreement are implemented, we must redouble our efforts to build a just and lasting peace.”