Kamlager-Dove Statement on Deal for Hostage Release and Pause in Fighting in Gaza

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 22, 2023

Media Contact: Maya Valentine | maya.valentine@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) statement on deal for the release of hostages and a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas:

"I welcome the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to release 50 hostages taken by Hamas after the horrific terrorist attacks on October 7th. The Biden Administration, through sustained and careful diplomatic negotiation, has worked tirelessly to make the release of the hostages and a significant pause in violence a top priority. Words cannot express the deep hope I feel after seeing reports that Abigail, the 3-year-old niece of one of my constituents, might be released as part of the deal, and the 37th District is anxiously awaiting news of her well-being. Hamas must honor the terms of this agreement, and I hope this is the first step toward bringing home the remaining hostages so that they can begin to heal.

"I also believe this pause in fighting must be used to urgently scale up desperately needed humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians who have suffered a devastating toll during the past six weeks of bombardment. This pause comes as the humanitarian crisis has reached alarming new heights. The severe shortage of fuel has obstructed the delivery of all other types of humanitarian assistance. The water crisis in Gaza has reached a breaking point, with over half of Gaza’s sanitation infrastructure and aboveground water systems destroyed. Sewage has flooded the streets, severely heightening the risk of an outbreak of gastrointestinal and infectious diseases. 1.7 million people have been displaced since the fighting began, and 14 of Gaza’s 35 hospitals are no longer functioning.

"The loss of life in Gaza is now over 11,000 people. The entire international community must act now to ensure the urgent delivery of essential humanitarian assistance. We also must remember that military power alone cannot resolve complex issues. Peace prevails through leadership, diplomacy, and political solutions that center our shared humanity."

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