Van Hollen Statement on Ceasefire Deal

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas:
“This is the first hopeful moment in a long time. At last, we have an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all the hostages, and a surge of desperately needed aid to the people of Gaza. Pressure from the U.S. and others has always been necessary to reach this moment— something that could have been achieved much earlier and prevented the staggering loss of civilian life, starvation, and devastation in Gaza. U.S. leadership will be essential to enforce this plan and convert this moment into real progress toward lasting peace – which can only be achieved by sidelining the extremists on all sides and committing to security, dignity, human rights, and justice for all.”