A Jewish member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee blamed Hamas for the resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip while calling for a new round of negotiations and expressing concern over the fate of the hostages and the humanitarian crisis among the Palestinians.
“The war Hamas started has been devastating, especially for Palestinians, and we all want it to come to an end with the release of all remaining 59 hostages and removal of Hamas from reigning over Gaza,” Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), a co-chair and co-founder of the Abraham Accords Caucus, stated on Thursday.
“Only then can recovery and renewal begin in Gaza, and only then can there be any hope for real and lasting peace for all the people in the region,” the Illinois Democrat added.
Israel launched a new round of attacks against Hamas after the terrorist group refused demands that it release the remaining hostages captured on Oct. 7, 2023.
“Hamas’s insistence on holding hostages as leverage is reprehensible,” Schneider stated. “Their refusal to engage seriously in efforts toward a lasting ceasefire, despite sustained diplomatic conversations, has precipitated the tragic events unfolding now.”
But like many other pro-Israel Democrats, Schneider’s support for the Jewish state was combined with calls for a resumption of talks leading to a new ceasefire.
“Israel has the right to defend itself and to act decisively to secure the release of hostages and to ensure the safety of its citizens,” the congressman stated. “However, continued violence and instability cannot be the solution. It is imperative that diplomatic channels remain open and active.”
Schneider said that the negotiations to restore a ceasefire should begin with the U.S. and other mediators.
“It is critical to prioritize humanitarian considerations and the release of hostages as core components of any renewed dialogue,” he stated. “The international community, including the United States, must remain engaged and active in supporting efforts that can lead to a sustainable and peaceful outcome for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”