Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, issued two statements this week marking significant developments related to Israel and Hamas.
On Tuesday, October 7, Congressman Lawler reflected on the second anniversary of Hamas’s deadly terrorist attack on Israel, calling it “the deadliest massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust.” He noted that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, including two Americans, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, both of whom were tragically killed by Hamas. Lawler emphasized that retrieving their bodies and bringing every hostage home “is of the highest priority.”
“731 days is too long,” Lawler said. “We must bring every hostage home immediately. That is why I welcome President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza as a serious, region-backed framework that provides an end to the conflict and the release of the hostages. Now the onus is on Hamas to choose peace over further bloodshed.”
Lawler reaffirmed his ongoing commitment as Subcommittee Chairman to “stand with Israel, defend its right to self-defense, and hold terrorists and their backers accountable.”
Then, on Wednesday, October 8, following reports from Egypt that Hamas has agreed to President Trump’s ceasefire proposal, Lawler called the development “a welcome breakthrough.”
“This news is a testament to the strength of America’s unwavering partnership with Israel and our Arab partners,” Lawler stated. “For too long, Hamas has chosen terror over peace, bringing suffering to both Israelis and Palestinians alike. Now, with Hamas reportedly accepting the ceasefire deal and releasing all remaining hostages, we have a historic opportunity to end the bloodshed and begin rebuilding a secure, peaceful future for Israel. Thank you to President Trump for leading this effort and working tirelessly to establish peace and bring the hostages home.”
Lawler concluded by saying, “The United States, Israel, and our regional partners will hold Hamas accountable, and there will be no tolerance for backsliding or deception.”