AFT’s Weingarten on Killing of Hamas Leader

Press Release

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WASHINGTON-AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' military leader, was killed:

"The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was the mastermind behind the horrendous attack on Israel a year ago, Oct. 7, is good news, indeed a great relief, and it should also be a catalyst to a significant shift in the region. This war must end.

"There is still the never-ending urgency to bring home the hostages. Israel must re-enter negotiations with allies to quicken that process. With Sinwar's death must come a hostage deal and a cease-fire.

"A tremendous humanitarian crisis remains in Gaza that Israel must seriously address. More than a year after the attack by Hamas, it's urgent for Palestinians and Israelis alike to move forward.

"And the people in Lebanon and northern Israel must have peace as well. Enduring daily bombing is no way to live.

"It is time for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to rise above his own government coalition, some of whom are already calling for even more intensified warfare in Gaza post-Sinwar. This is completely unacceptable.

"President Joe Biden must continue doing everything in his power to achieve these goals: end the war, bring home the hostages and establish a horizon of hope for the people of Gaza and for the entire region, for a livable future for both peoples in the region. This will be the best security for the people of Israel and the best hope for a shared future for Palestinians and the entire region."

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.