Indian American lawmakers have expressed strong support for the White House-brokered ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas, set to take effect on January 19, 2024, just one day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. 

Touting his role in the ceasefire deal, President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, announced, “Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.” 

He underscored that the deal marks a significant step toward ending the devastating 15-month-long conflict in Gaza, providing critical humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reuniting hostages with their families after prolonged captivity. Biden credited the deal’s success to “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy,” citing the endorsement of his plan by the UN Security Council in May 2024. He also pointed out that the deal was possible due to the change in the regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran.

President Biden announced that the ceasefire agreement will be implemented in three phases over the coming months. In the first phase, spanning six weeks, women, the elderly, the wounded, and two American hostages are expected to be released. The second phase will see military operations to end and the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The final phase will address all remaining hostage issues and initiate the reconstruction of Gaza.

He also highlighted his efforts during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, where he rallied key nations around the vision of an economic corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe.

“That vision can now become a reality. There are risks as well, including ISIS and Iran, even in a badly weakened state, but we’re handing off to the next team a real opportunity. For a better future for the Middle East,” he expressed. 

Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, emphasizing the humanitarian relief the agreement promises to deliver. “While there is more work to be done, I believe this agreement can be the foundation on which we build toward a two-state solution,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to greater peace and security in the region.

Indian American Lawmakers React to the Ceasefire Agreement

As the ceasefire and hostage deal take effect, Indian American lawmakers remain committed to supporting efforts toward recovery, reconciliation, and a future where Israelis and Palestinians coexist in peace and dignity.

Representative Pramila Jayapal reflected on her early calls for a ceasefire, stressing the humanitarian toll of the conflict. “More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, Gaza has been pushed to famine, and rising regional tensions have threatened more civilians throughout the Middle East,” she noted. 

Jayapal urged swift rebuilding efforts and condemned the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia linked to the conflict. 

We must also ensure that those responsible for war crimes and violations of international law are held fully responsible,” Rep. Jayapal added. “I have made it a priority to meet with families impacted by this horrible conflict, both of hostages, including in my own district, and those who have lost loved ones in Gaza and the West Bank to hear their stories and bear witness to their grief.” 

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi welcomed the ceasefire as a step toward resolving the conflict and securing humanitarian relief for Gaza. He expressed hope for a sustainable two-state solution, stating, “We must build upon this progress to ensure the return of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian relief to Gaza.”

Representative Ami Bera commended the Biden administration’s leadership and acknowledged the immense human cost of the war. 

“Every hostage taken, every family shattered, and every life lost underscores the urgent need for peace,” he said, urging the incoming administration to continue diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.

Representative Shri Thanedar expressed gratitude for the ceasefire, highlighting its importance to constituents affected by the conflict. 

“This deal will temporarily pause the fighting in Gaza, granting peace of mind and safety to people across the region,” he remarked. He also expressed hope for a durable peace agreement in the Middle East resulting in a two-state solution.

Rep. Thanedar also thanked President Biden and Secretary Blinken for their tireless work in negotiating this agreement. 

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam also praised the deal, adding “There has been far too much devastation in the region. The destruction in Gaza has been heartbreaking, and I am dedicated to supporting efforts to recover and rebuild. I am equally relieved there are plans to bring hostages home, including Americans. All parties must commit to this deal. I hope this will be a path to real and lasting peace in the region and brighter days to come.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been facing domestic political challenges in securing cabinet approval for the agreement. Key members of his cabinet have threatened to quit if Israel does not resume military operations following the first phase of the ceasefire. 

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