Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) issued a statement applauding the historic peace deal mediated by President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas, ending the two-year war.
This week, President Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed to the "first phase" of the 20-point peace proposal he had put forth, which would require Hamas to release all 48 remaining hostages, whether they are alive or deceased, within 72 hours.
In return, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 other detainees from Gaza as it partially withdraws from the Strip, allowing long-delayed humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
The agreement marks the first phase of Trump's proposed agreement, which would eventually require Hamas to be disarmed and put in place a new regime under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
"Just over two years after Hamas unleashed the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, last night's announcement of a historic Gaza peace agreement marks a critical first step toward peace in the region," Rep. Buchanan said in a statement. "I commend President Trump for his bold leadership in securing the first phase of a peace plan that brings hostages home and reaffirms America's unwavering support for Israel."
"This agreement would not have been possible without the strength, resolve, and moral clarity President Trump brings to the world stage," Rep. Buchanan noted.
"His peace deal is a historic win for America's 'peace through strength' agenda and long-term stability in the Middle East," the Florida Congressman concluded. "We will never forget the innocent lives lost on October 7, and we will continue standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel against terror, hate, and antisemitism."
Notably, the peace agreement was signed just after the second anniversary of the Hamas attack of October 7th, 2023, which saw 1,200 Israelis murdered and launched the war that has claimed the lives of thousands.
