Boston (November 22, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) issued the following statement on the Biden administration’s announcement of a 4-day ceasefire agreement to release hostages and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza:

“I welcome the Biden administration’s announcement, in coordination with Israel and regional partners, of the release of dozens of hostages kidnapped by Hamas and a temporary ceasefire. I share deep relief and celebration with the families who have worked unrelentingly and prayed for weeks to be reunited with their loved ones, and we will not stop until all of the hostages are free. 

“This agreement will allow for the desperately-needed flow of aid into Gaza for millions of innocent Palestinians who are facing an ongoing humanitarian disaster and require food, water, fuel, and medicine now. I urge all parties to extend this agreement and work to achieve a permanent end to the violence that has already claimed thousands of innocent lives. 

“I remain committed to the critical work ahead toward building a durable two-state solution and a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.”