Steny H. Hoyer
10/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2025 09:10
Hoyer Statement Marking Two Years Since the October 7th Attack on Israel
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement marking two years since Hamas' October 7th attack on Israel:
"Today marks two years since Hamas unleashed the deadliest terror attack on Israel in the nation's history. From Kibbutz Kfar Aza to the Nova Music Festival, the atrocities Hamas committed that day broke every law of war, every moral code, and every principle of basic human decency. The terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis and took 251 people hostage - including 12 Americans. Thousands of rockets rained down on peaceful Israeli communities. The horrors we witnessed in Israel that day called to mind countless scenes of violence, hate, and persecution inflicted on Jews throughout their history.
"The trauma of that day has continued for the past two years. I have seen it firsthand in the faces of October 7 victims and their families. I have discussed it with Jews in Israel, America, and beyond who fear for their safety amid a disturbing spike in antisemitism in our country and around the world. That trauma has only grown with every hostage executed, every missile launched, and every day this conflict has been drawn out by Hamas.
"Innocent civilians in Gaza have also suffered tremendously over the past two years. If we are to end this war and ensure the safety and security of both Israelis and Palestinians, we cannot allow Hamas to continue its brutal rule over Gaza. Ending the war must also entail the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
"The current peace proposal provides a framework to achieve those objectives. I am cautiously optimistic that the ongoing negotiations could soon lead to the return of the 48 remaining hostages, who have now been in captivity for 730 days. We are counting on continued pressure from Arab nations in the region to make Hamas cooperate. All parties involved need to build on this diplomatic effort and unite around a shared vision for a just and lasting peace that benefits both Israeli and Palestinian peoples, the region, and the world."
"Today marks two years since Hamas unleashed the deadliest terror attack on Israel in the nation's history. From Kibbutz Kfar Aza to the Nova Music Festival, the atrocities Hamas committed that day broke every law of war, every moral code, and every principle of basic human decency. The terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis and took 251 people hostage - including 12 Americans. Thousands of rockets rained down on peaceful Israeli communities. The horrors we witnessed in Israel that day called to mind countless scenes of violence, hate, and persecution inflicted on Jews throughout their history.
"The trauma of that day has continued for the past two years. I have seen it firsthand in the faces of October 7 victims and their families. I have discussed it with Jews in Israel, America, and beyond who fear for their safety amid a disturbing spike in antisemitism in our country and around the world. That trauma has only grown with every hostage executed, every missile launched, and every day this conflict has been drawn out by Hamas.
"Innocent civilians in Gaza have also suffered tremendously over the past two years. If we are to end this war and ensure the safety and security of both Israelis and Palestinians, we cannot allow Hamas to continue its brutal rule over Gaza. Ending the war must also entail the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
"The current peace proposal provides a framework to achieve those objectives. I am cautiously optimistic that the ongoing negotiations could soon lead to the return of the 48 remaining hostages, who have now been in captivity for 730 days. We are counting on continued pressure from Arab nations in the region to make Hamas cooperate. All parties involved need to build on this diplomatic effort and unite around a shared vision for a just and lasting peace that benefits both Israeli and Palestinian peoples, the region, and the world."
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