Statement by Rep. Panetta on the Pause in the Conflict Between Israel and Hamas

Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on the pause in the conflict between Israel and Hamas:

"The announcement of a potential pause in the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the agreement to release some of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 attack is an important step forward. The hostages that would be freed, including Americans, will finally be reunited with their families after enduring over a month of agonizing conditions. This deal also would allow for a pause in fighting so that massive amounts of critical humanitarian aid can be delivered to Gaza and protect peaceful Palestinians. As Israel continues to defend itself and destroy Hamas, this temporary truce provides a benchmark as to what can be achieved through persistence, perseverance, and tough diplomacy that will be necessary ahead. I commend the work of President Biden and Secretary Blinken to help secure this deal and support the administration’s request to provide security assistance for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan and more humanitarian aid to peaceful Palestinians of Gaza.  All nations must play their part as we stand for our shared democratic values and with our democratic allies in the goal of attaining a peaceful and prosperous future for the Middle East."