JLC celebrates the return of hostages, and an end to the war, and what promises to be the first step toward a permanent peace.
Monday, October 13, 2025 – New York, NY:
Two years after Hamas broke the preexisting ceasefire with its brutal attack on Israel, we can now celebrate the return of hostages, an end to the war in Gaza, and what promises to be the first step toward a permanent peace.
We applaud the U.S. Administration's efforts as well as those of Qatar, Egypt and others in bringing this about. We mourn the loss of life and suffering endured these past two years by Israelis and innocent Palestinians.
Much work is ahead as we move ahead to the next phases: the establishment of an interim body to oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza, secured by a coalition of international forces to disarm Hamas and other terrorist groups. Pressure needs to be brought to bear to make sure commitments are abided by: Hamas must lay down its arms and not be part of a new governing body; the Palestinian Authority must be reformed.
Yet, as we await these next steps, Israelis and Gazans have a right to celebrate, and we can hope that this will lead to a long-term solution of two sovereign states, where both can live in peace and harmony.