Political Quotes

“on the hostages, last week, an agreement was reached for a pausing of hostilities in the Gaza Strip to allow for the release of 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This pause also allowed for the delivery of humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza. And a few hours ago--just a few hours ago--it was reported that all sides have agreed to extend this pause for 2 more days to allow additional hostages to be released. I am so relieved that some of the hostages are coming home after enduring weeks of utter horror. I have met with many of their families. I have heard of the pain they have been in. We have cried together in Israel, in New York, and in Washington. And while much healing is ahead, I am relieved that some are home. I am also glad that the temporary pause has allowed for critical humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and reach innocent civilians, who have nothing--nothing--to do with Hamas. So the extension of the pause, the release of the 50 hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid are all extremely positive developments, but there is lots of work to do. We must keep working until all the hostages are freed. We must continue working here in the Senate to pass humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and we must ensure that Israel has the aid it needs to defend itself against the threat from the terrorist organization Hamas, so it can never again pose such a threat to Israel. I yield the floor. ____________________”