STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff on Anniversary of October 7 Hamas Attack on Israel

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel:

"Today marks two years since Hamas launched a horrific and unprovoked mass terrorist attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 civilians.

"Since the darkest day in Israel's history, we have continued to see civilians bear the brunt of this conflict. The remaining Israeli hostages have remained in cruel captivity, with their families waiting in unending pain, and Palestinian civilians in Gaza have faced unendurable suffering.

"As we mark this solemn day of remembrance, we must ensure that this tragedy cannot happen again. Hamas must be held accountable for this atrocity, and we must ensure that they can never threaten Israel again. And the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza must be stopped immediately and a surge of food and medicine brought to those in need.

"As we remember the lives that were lost that day, and in the two years since, deaths continue to mount, hostages are still held, and children and families continue to starve. We cannot waver in our efforts to bring the hostages home, and to secure a lasting agreement that ends the war and that brings relief and reconstruction.

"President Trump's 20-point plan provides the chance of ending the war, and for a return of all the hostages. Israel and the Palestinian people, and our partners and allies in the region, must seize this opportunity to bring about a permanent ceasefire, the restoration of all hostages to their families, the end of Hamas as a threat to Israel, and relief to the people of Gaza.

"The United States must remain steadfast in its commitment to continued U.S.-led diplomacy with Israel, Palestinian leaders, and other partners in the Middle East in pursuit of the long-term goal of a negotiated two-state solution and a path to lasting peace."

Background:

Schiff has repeatedly reinforced his support for Israel, both in the days immediately following the October 7th attack and working to ensure Israeli civilians are protected from further attacks since. He has also supported calls to end the war and surge humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza. He has continued to urge American negotiators to seek the return of all remaining hostages and a durable peace where Hamas no longer has a governing position in Gaza.

Schiff, along with Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and 40 of their colleagues expressed alarm about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, called for the large-scale expansion of humanitarian aid, and urged the Trump administration to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement, end the war, and ensure that Hamas can no longer pose a military threat to Israel and its civilians.

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