Steny H. Hoyer
10/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2025 06:27
Hoyer Statement on Israel-Hamas Peace Plan
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement this morning on the negotiated peace agreement between Israel and Hamas:
"I am absolutely elated to hear that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a deal to end the war in Gaza. The past two years of destruction began with a day of unspeakable bloodshed and horror. During its brutal terrorist attack on October 7, Hamas killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 254 people, including 12 Americans, hostage. The hostages and their families - as well as Jews around the world - have endured dreadful trauma for 733 days. With today's deal, all 48 hostages who remain in Gaza, both living and dead, will return home.
"Innocent civilians in Gaza have also suffered tremendously throughout the war Hamas started that terrible day. Hamas has used them as human shields and subjected them to its ruthless, authoritarian reign. For this deal to hold, it is vital that Hamas follows through on the plan for it to relinquish control of Gaza, disarm, and disband. A temporary stabilization force will then move in to restore peace in Gaza as Israeli forces pull back. We also need to surge aid to the Strip as soon as possible. Although I do not trust Hamas or any other terrorist organization, I hope that our Egyptian and Qatari negotiators and other Arab partners can make Hamas comply. I will continue pushing them to do everything they can to pressure Hamas and hold it accountable.
"If Hamas violates these provisions, Israel retains the right to resume operations in the Gaza. I wholeheartedly hope that will not be necessary and that the truce will hold. Too many have died in this war. This agreement has the potential to mark the end of this nightmare and the start of a better, safer future for both Israelis and Palestinians. It can serve as a decisive step toward an enduring peace for Israel and the region. Let us pray that it does."
"I am absolutely elated to hear that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a deal to end the war in Gaza. The past two years of destruction began with a day of unspeakable bloodshed and horror. During its brutal terrorist attack on October 7, Hamas killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 254 people, including 12 Americans, hostage. The hostages and their families - as well as Jews around the world - have endured dreadful trauma for 733 days. With today's deal, all 48 hostages who remain in Gaza, both living and dead, will return home.
"Innocent civilians in Gaza have also suffered tremendously throughout the war Hamas started that terrible day. Hamas has used them as human shields and subjected them to its ruthless, authoritarian reign. For this deal to hold, it is vital that Hamas follows through on the plan for it to relinquish control of Gaza, disarm, and disband. A temporary stabilization force will then move in to restore peace in Gaza as Israeli forces pull back. We also need to surge aid to the Strip as soon as possible. Although I do not trust Hamas or any other terrorist organization, I hope that our Egyptian and Qatari negotiators and other Arab partners can make Hamas comply. I will continue pushing them to do everything they can to pressure Hamas and hold it accountable.
"If Hamas violates these provisions, Israel retains the right to resume operations in the Gaza. I wholeheartedly hope that will not be necessary and that the truce will hold. Too many have died in this war. This agreement has the potential to mark the end of this nightmare and the start of a better, safer future for both Israelis and Palestinians. It can serve as a decisive step toward an enduring peace for Israel and the region. Let us pray that it does."
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