MENG STATEMENT MARKING THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCTOBER 7TH HAMAS TERRORIST ATTACK

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs released the following statement marking the second anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack:

"October 7, 2023, was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

Two years ago today, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, killed 1,200 people, took 251 hostages, committed unspeakable acts of sexual violence, and destroyed entire communities. Today, we pause to mourn for the victims and their families and join the world in remembering the horrors of that day.

The war Hamas started has become a nightmare, and its consequences have been felt across the globe. Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, and concerned people all over the world have waited with anticipation, time and again, for news about the return of the 48 remaining hostages, humanitarian relief for over two million Palestinian civilians, and an end to the suffering that has taken too many and too much.

As I've said before, peace is possible, but it cannot come as long as Hamas, Iran, and its once-powerful proxies continue to seek Israel's destruction. With a deal on the table to release all remaining hostages, surge humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, remove Hamas from power, end the war, and begin building the peace in Gaza and across the Middle East, the world must not let this moment pass.

We must keep the pressure on Hamas to end this war and give this framework a chance to succeed. Together, let us pray for peace, the immediate return of the hostages, and an end to this war to ensure that the horrors of October 7 are never again repeated."