Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - 1/15/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler, Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement reacting to the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

"For over 450 days since Hamas committed the atrocities of October 7th, they have been hiding both American and Israeli hostages in Gaza," Congressman Lawler said. "I have said time and time again that peace can only be reached once Hamas surrenders and releases every single hostage."

"While I welcome the agreement reached by the joint coalition of President Trump's team, the Biden team, and Netanyahu's government, it is my hope that serious additional measures are taken to both rid Gaza of Hamas and secure the return of the remaining hostages," concluded Congressman Lawler. "In my new role as the Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, I look forward to working with the incoming Administration and our partners to do just that."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. The 17th District is also home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the country.

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