Leader Schumer Statement On The Urgent Need For A U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire & Immediate Surge In Humanitarian Aid In Gaza

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement on the need for a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following the devastating levels of death and starvation in Gaza:

“The reporting and images out of Gaza – depicting the devastating levels of hunger, starvation, suffering, and death – are wholly unacceptable and underscore the dire human cost of this ongoing conflict that cannot be ignored.

“News that ceasefire negotiations have yet again faltered reaffirms the need for strong and focused U.S. leadership to immediately restart negotiations and secure a ceasefire that brings relief to innocent Palestinian civilians, begins the path for a lasting and durable peace, and finally brings home the 58 hostages – including the bodies of Americans and New Yorkers Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, who Hamas has brutally held captive for over 650 days. I urge all parties involved to do everything possible to get back to the table, secure the ceasefire, surge humanitarian relief and finally get to the hard work ahead of ending the war with a sustainable peace that delivers safety, security, and dignity to Israelis and Palestinians.

“Regardless of the status of negotiations, the Trump administration and the Israeli government must urgently work with experienced and long-standing humanitarian and development partners of the United States to surge the delivery of food, services, and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. The action taken by the Israeli government to lift some restrictions on aid is a step forward – but much more must be done. Since the start of this war, I have long said that Israel has a right to defend itself and end Hamas’s brutal rule in Gaza, yet how it does so matters. Ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinians who need it is vital.”

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