Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus and the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Antisemitism, issued the statement below following President Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of the United States’ Gaza peace plan:
“I join the hostages’ families and friends in rejoicing for the impending release of their loved ones—and all Americans, Israelis, and other victims of Hamas’ atrocities in thanking God for the fulfillment of our prayers.
“Through President Trump’s tenacious work, innovative vision, and deal-making talent, we are at phase one of a ceasefire deal. Thank you, Mr. President.
“While we celebrate this momentous achievement, we must remember that much work remains to be done – Hamas remains armed and embedded in Gaza. Yet this is a hopeful sign that President Trump and his extraordinarily effective team—including Secretary Marco Rubio, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and former Middle East adviser Jared Kushner—working closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, can facilitate further steps towards a just and lasting peace – one in which Israel’s security will not be compromised.”
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