Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Statement on the Release of Israeli Hostages

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement regarding the release of Israeli hostages that were held by Hamas:

“Today, we celebrate the release of all living Israeli hostages that were held in captivity by Hamas over the last two long and brutal years.  I hope and pray that as the hostages reunite with their loved ones, they also can begin to heal after the unthinkable torture and misery they have endured at the cruel hands of the Hamas terrorist organization. The return of the living hostages must also soon be met with the return of the remains of the deceased hostages. Their families have been through unimaginable pain, and deserve that closure. Even as we celebrate today, we remember the hostages who were killed in captivity and the lives lost on October 7, 2023. 

“Although this day marks a pivotal point in this brutal conflict, we must continue to focus on rebuilding and creating regional peace. This starts with the flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the agreement on a regional partnership for security and funding that is necessary if this area is to be rebuilt. Hamas must disarm and be degraded politically. Moreover, their tunnel network throughout Gaza must be dismantled in order to usher in security guarantees that protect Israeli and Palestinian lives. 

“I am grateful for the pressure exerted on Israel and Hamas by President Donald Trump and his administration and the hard work by the Biden Administration to reach this pivotal moment. Despite the domestic political pressure to disengage from the conflict and the region, both administrations appreciated and understood the hard work, support, and constant engagement that was necessary to achieve this peaceful outcome. Our international and regional partners played very important roles and must continue their diplomatic, humanitarian, security, and financial backing that are necessary for long-term peace. The diplomacy and defense support by the United States and our partners must continue in order to ensure that terrorism, impunity, and foreign meddling no longer define the region’s future. Despite the progress that we have made, we must not underestimate the enemies of peace. The everlasting pain of October 7, the subsequent conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the continued attacks on Israel, must motivate us to continue the work to eliminate Hamas and Iranian-backed militias, defend Israel, protect the innocent Palestinian people, establish a two-state solution, and create an enduring peace in the region. That will not be easy, and the challenges are many and complicated.  But the will to work towards peace must always endure.”

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