Larson Urges Prime Minister Netanyahu to Accept Ceasefire Deal Without Delay and Bring Hostages Home

East Hartford, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire deal negotiated by the Biden Administration without delay, joining the calls of Israeli citizens and the families of hostages held in Gaza.

"The killing of six hostages in Gaza, including an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, is devastating," said Larson. "I condemn Hamas for their brutal murders and stand with the hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens and the families of hostages, including former Connecticut resident Jonathan Dekel-Chen, who are demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu accept the current deal on the table to ensure their safe return and bring this war to an end. His stalling tactics have been a barrier to a ceasefire deal, resulting in a prolonged humanitarian crisis and the deaths of countless civilians. He has failed to prioritize the safe return of the 101 hostages, including seven American citizens. For the sake of the people of Israel and Gaza, and the families waiting to reunite with their loved ones, this must not continue. Prime Minister Netanyahu must sign the deal negotiated by the Biden Administration without delay."

"It is profoundly important for the people of Israel that our government move forward toward signing this agreement with Hamas as it has been brokered with the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. It is imperative that the Biden Administration exercise maximal pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to get this done. The last two weeks have shown that the hostages' lives are imperiled by their Hamas captors and friendly fire from the IDF. That includes the death of an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin," said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, former Bloomfield and West Hartford resident, and father of Sagui Dekel-Chen.