Florida Democrats React to Israeli Hostage Release

Recently, U.S. members of the House of Representatives reacted to the release of Israeli hostages, a deal that includes mostly women and children, and a 4-day temporary ceasefire.

The deal was announced on the night of Nov. 21. Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 50 hostages. Three Americans are expected to be a part of the agreement, per Reuters.

A small group of Israelis, women, and children were released Friday afternoon Israel time.

Representatives from the state of Florida congratulated President Biden for his efforts but did not mention the notion that 150 Palestinian prisoners were freed in the process.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) gave a statement surrounding the deal.

“Since the devastating October 7^th terrorist attack, the Biden Administration has worked tirelessly with our partners in the region to free the hostages taken by Hamas. I am pleased that this deal allows for the release of at least 50 hostages, including Americans, while also providing the civilians in Gaza with needed humanitarian assistance,” said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick. “This deal is a testament to the tireless diplomacy and determination of the Biden Administration to free all of the hostages being held by Hamas, while surging humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

She concluded, “While this deal is an encouraging step forward, it will not serve as a permanent solution to the conflict until all the hostages are released and Hamas is no longer a threat to the state of Israel. I urge the Israeli government to ensure that any future military action is part of a long-term strategy to ensure lasting stability and peace in the region.”

The day before Thanksgiving, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL) was “grateful” for the deal and thanked President Biden for his efforts.

“Grateful for the 4-day temporary cease-fire and release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas War. They’ll be primarily women and children, and include American hostages. Thanks POTUS for your efforts to help broker this important deal and save lives,” said Rep. Soto.

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) was also grateful for President Biden’s efforts.

“I am deeply heartened by this initial agreement that is expected to result in the release of 50 civilian hostages, including women and children and grateful for President Biden’s tireless diplomatic efforts to free innocent victims of Hamas terror.”

She would also state, “I’m also thankful POTUS did not heed calls for an immediate ceasefire weeks ago, as Israel could not have achieved this breakthrough had one occurred. A unilateral ceasefire only serves Hamas terrorists, who broke a ceasefire on Oct. 7th - and vow to do so again and again.”

According to Fox News, the first images of released hostages were released on Friday morning. Israeli officials have offered to “extend the cease-fire one day per 10 additional hostages released.”

This is a developing story.