U.S. Members of Congress React to Hostage Deal

Recently, U.S. members of Congress reacted to the release of Israeli hostages, a deal that includes mostly women and children, and a 4-day temporary ceasefire.

The deal was announced on the night of Nov. 21. Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 50 hostages. Three Americans are expected to be a part of the agreement, per Reuters.

A small group of Israelis, women, and children were released Friday afternoon Israel time.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released a statement thanking President Joe Biden (D).

“This deal is a breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas war that will allow 50 hostages to return home and more aid to reach innocent Palestinians in Gaza. When I traveled to Israel shortly after the horrific October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas, I met with families of the hostages and heard from them about their loved ones,” said Sen. Kelly. “I thank the Biden administration for their work to get to this point. I’ll continue to partner with them as we work to support our ally Israel, free the remaining hostages, and get much needed humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.”

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) was also grateful for President Biden’s efforts.

“I am deeply heartened by this initial agreement that is expected to result in the release of 50 civilian hostages, including women and children and grateful for President Biden’s tireless diplomatic efforts to free innocent victims of Hamas terror.”

She would also state, “I’m also thankful POTUS did not heed calls for an immediate ceasefire weeks ago, as Israel could not have achieved this breakthrough had one occurred. A unilateral ceasefire only serves Hamas terrorists, who broke a ceasefire on Oct. 7th - and vow to do so again and again.”

Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) said that the hostage deal represented “progress and hope.”

“Both limited ceasefire and limited release of hostages represents progress and hope for many families, but both must be expanded. Hostages wrongfully held. Too many innocent Palestinians killed. Accountability for Hamas does not require continued devastation and siege of Gaza,” said Rep. Doggett.

According to Fox News, the first images of released hostages were released on Friday morning. Israeli officials have offered to “extend the cease-fire one day per 10 additional hostages released.”

This is a developing story.