Pelosi Statement on Hostage Release and Humanitarian Pause in Gaza

San Francisco – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after President Joe Biden helped broker an agreement to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and implement a pause in the fighting to allow for humanitarian assistance in Gaza:

“Yesterday’s agreement is a welcome step to reunite hostages taken by Hamas terrorists with their loved ones, while pausing the fighting to allow deeply needed humanitarian relief to reach children and families in Gaza.  Now, all parties must abide by the terms of the pause.  In the long term, the only path to a just and lasting peace is the elimination of Hamas terrorists and the achievement of a two-state solution.

“Freedom-loving people in America and around the world can take immense pride in the leadership of President Biden, whose outstanding diplomacy helped broker this agreement.  His steady hand, depth of experience, and striking moral clarity are indispensable resources in this challenging moment, as we help defend democracy all over the world.” 

“It is critical that the Congress approves the supplemental national security funding requested by the Biden Administration as soon as possible and with a strongly bipartisan vote.”