Congresswoman Simon's Statement on Recent Developments in Gaza

February 2, 2025 Press Release Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) released the following statement on recent developments in Gaza: "I am heartened to see the long-overdue release of Israeli hostages and Palestinians safely freed in this week’s swaps. We must do everything in our power to ensure this temporary ceasefire deal holds.  I am gravely concerned by the President's remarks calling for Palestinians in Gaza to be resettled and the impact of the Administration's actions that are hollowing out top leadership at agencies like the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development on our ability to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance. “In the long term, we need a permanent ceasefire and a long-term path to stability in the region, including in the West Bank as well. Just this week, 10 more Palestinians were killed by an Israeli air strike in the West Bank. Gaza has already been leveled, communities have been torn apart, children have lost their parents and siblings – we cannot let the other communities face the same fate. May we all work towards this shared goal of peace and stability together." ###