Larson Calls for Resumption of Aid to Gaza and Renewed Ceasefire Negotiations

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement calling for renewed ceasefire negotiations and urging the Israeli government to reverse their policy blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. 

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s blockade of humanitarian aid has caused needless suffering in Gaza and put long-term peace further out of reach for the Israeli and Palestinian people,” said Larson. “The ceasefire and hostage agreement negotiated earlier this year by the Biden Administration facilitated a surge in food, medicine, and other assistance to the Palestinian people, and the return of many of the remaining hostages from their Hamas captors. The free flow of aid must resume immediately, and Hamas must release all remaining hostages, who have been held in brutal conditions since their kidnapping 579 days ago, including American citizen Edan Alexander. The deal reached in January shows that bilateral ceasefires work. We must work toward another agreement to stop the fighting, bring people home, and make progress toward enduring peace, including a two-state solution. That will only come when Israelis and Palestinians alike have self-determination and the right to live their lives free from conflict and suffering.” 

Yesterday, Larson joined 94 House Democrats in a letter to Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, opposing the Israeli government’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza and urging renewed negotiations for a ceasefire.