[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 194 (Monday, November 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 ISRAEL

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, on the hostages, last week, an 
agreement was reached for a pausing of hostilities in the Gaza Strip to 
allow for the release of 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This pause 
also allowed for the delivery of humanitarian aid for innocent 
civilians in Gaza. And a few hours ago--just a few hours ago--it was 
reported that all sides have agreed to extend this pause for 2 more 
days to allow additional hostages to be released.
  I am so relieved that some of the hostages are coming home after 
enduring weeks of utter horror. I have met with many of their families. 
I have heard of the pain they have been in. We have cried together in 
Israel, in New York, and in Washington. And while much healing is 
ahead, I am relieved that some are home.
  I am also glad that the temporary pause has allowed for critical 
humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and reach innocent civilians, who have 
nothing--nothing--to do with Hamas.
  So the extension of the pause, the release of the 50 hostages, and 
the delivery of humanitarian aid are all extremely positive 
developments, but there is lots of work to do. We must keep working 
until all the hostages are freed. We must continue working here in the 
Senate to pass humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and we 
must ensure that Israel has the aid it needs to defend itself against 
the threat from the terrorist organization Hamas, so it can never again 
pose such a threat to Israel.
  I yield the floor.

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