President Donald Trump announced the first phase of a Peace Plan has been agreed to by both Israel and Hamas. It’s centered around the release of hostages on both sides.
This comes shortly after the two-year anniversary of a Hamas-led October 7th attack that militants killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel.
US Sen. John Thune spoke on the Senate floor regarding the news. He preached urgency to both sides of the war.
“This will finally mean the release of all remaining hostages, living and dead, who have been held by Hamas since its October 7, 2023, attack,” Thune said. “It is vital that Israel and especially Hamas implement the terms of this agreement as quickly as possible, so that this can truly mark the beginning of an end to the bloodshed and – I hope – a lasting peace for this most war-torn of regions.”
He placed the majority of blame on Hamas, adding that in addition to both sides adhering to the agreed-upon terms…"True peace will also require that there is never again a threat to Israel emanating from Gaza. This means that Hamas must disarm and relinquish any role in governance of the Gaza strip,” Thune said. “And I know the president and Secretary Rubio continue to work relentlessly to pursue peace and to make this a reality.
Thune said his prayers are for the success the agreement and protection of all innocent people in harm’s way.
