Washington, DC — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel carried out by Hamas.
“On this solemn anniversary, we pause to remember and mourn the lives lost, the families shattered, and the enduring pain caused by the brutal terrorist attacks of October 7th. We stand in solidarity with Israel and all the innocent victims who suffered in that darkest of hours. Our hearts remain with all those forever changed by that day.
“We also continue to bear witness to the plight of the hostages, held against their will, and separated from their loved ones. Their suffering, fear, and uncertainty weighs heavily on us. We renew our commitment to bring every hostage home.
“As attention now centers on the ceasefire proposal under discussion, I hold a cautious hope this ceasefire – if negotiated in good faith and upheld – could open a path to free the hostages, ease the humanitarian crisis, and reduce further bloodshed. While the road ahead remains difficult, we must not lose sight of the possibility for peace, justice, and the restoration of dignity and security for all affected by this conflict.”
“On this solemn anniversary, we pause to remember and mourn the lives lost, the families shattered, and the enduring pain caused by the brutal terrorist attacks of October 7th. We stand in solidarity with Israel and all the innocent victims who suffered in that darkest of hours. Our hearts remain with all those forever changed by that day.
“We also continue to bear witness to the plight of the hostages, held against their will, and separated from their loved ones. Their suffering, fear, and uncertainty weighs heavily on us. We renew our commitment to bring every hostage home.
“As attention now centers on the ceasefire proposal under discussion, I hold a cautious hope this ceasefire – if negotiated in good faith and upheld – could open a path to free the hostages, ease the humanitarian crisis, and reduce further bloodshed. While the road ahead remains difficult, we must not lose sight of the possibility for peace, justice, and the restoration of dignity and security for all affected by this conflict.”